Ince kept Macclesfield in the League last season

Ince, who took over at the Silkmen in October, resigned from his position with the Moss Rose club on Sunday.

The manager's position has been vacant at MK Dons since Martin Allen left the League Two club last month to take over at Championship side Leicester.

Allen led the Dons to fourth place last season but they were beaten in the play-offs by Shrewsbury.

Interview: New MK Dons boss Paul Ince

It feels like the decision Thierry Henry has had to make regarding going to Barcelona Paul Ince

The former England captain preserved Macclesfield's Football League status on the final day of last season having taken over when they were at the bottom of the table.

Ince joined the Silkmen on an initial 14-month contract as player-manager.

He said: "My heart has said stay but my head has been telling me to go to MK Dons.

"This has been a tremendously difficult decision for me.

"It feels like the decision Thierry Henry has had to make regarding going to Barcelona.

"They have significantly more resources for me to work with and as I am ambitious to make it to the very top, I think I have to go for it.

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"I will always remember my time at Macclesfield - this was where I started my managerial career - and I hope our supporters will understand why I am moving on.

"We came here last October to do a job - to keep Macclesfield in the Football League - and we did it."

Macclesfield chairman Rob Bickerton added: "Paul is a very special person and a fantastic manager. We tried our best to keep him at the club but we must accept these things happen in football.

"We are very sad to lose him and will miss him, Ray and Russ.