TORONTO — Benoit Cheyrou is leaving his coaching job with the Toronto FC academy to return to his native France.

Tuesday was the last day at TFC for Cheyrou, who retired last December after 19 seasons, the last three of which were spent playing for Toronto.

The 37-year-old Cheyrou worked on his coaching badges while playing for Toronto, flying back to France to continue his studies.

Cheyrou, a stylish midfielder who made a combined 68 appearances for Toronto in all competitions, spent 16 blue-chip seasons in France with Lille, Auxerre and Olympique de Marseille prior to coming to MLS.