Marc Overmars, Royal Antwerp technical director
Arsenal legend Marc Overmars has stepped down as technical director at Belgian side Royal Antwerp with immediate effect.
Overmars had held the position for four years, but after warnings from doctors, he has stepped down due to his health.
Marc Overmars, Royal Antwerp technical director2
Overmars has announced that he has had to leave his role at Royal Antwerp
The 53-year-old was appointed in 2022 just weeks after leaving his sporting director role at Ajax in controversial circumstances.
He departed the club after it was found that he had sent 'a series of inappropriate messages to several female colleagues over an extended period of time'.
But Royal Antwerp handed him a chance to create a 'new chapter' on their board, and since then, he has remained in the position.
However, Overmars reluctantly announced on Wednesday morning that he has had to make the decision to quit his role.
Why has Marc Overmars stepped down?
In a statement released on X, he wrote: "Dear supporters, for weeks, I was fully immersed in making plans to address you all at length after the transfer window. Because there hasn't been much communication from me to you in recent months.
"That's why early September was firmly marked in my calendar to talk openly with you about the future.
"The last seasons at RAFC were not easy. And takeover periods always unfold somewhat chaotically and stressfully. Once the new chapter could begin, everyone had to jump right in. There's no other way, because for our club, we don't want to waste any time.
"My message, unfortunately, is not the one I wanted to bring you.
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"All the long-built-up exhaustion and the immense stress unfortunately reached a peak this past weekend. You all know that my health is not optimal. But now, I very clearly feel that I can no longer handle this hectic, stressful professional life today.
"I want to, very much! And preferably until the end of this football season, and many seasons thereafter. The discussions about a contract extension were therefore in full swing. But my health forces me to be honest with myself and everyone around me.
"My energy is completely depleted today: if I don't listen to my body now, my doctors predict that the chance of a bad outcome is very high. So I have to make a drastic decision and completely halt my professional activities for the time ahead.
"There are no words to describe how much pain this causes me. RAFC, the city of Antwerp, and the supporters of our club have become part of who I have become, both professionally and personally. My family often and gladly comes to Antwerp; it's our second home.
"What we've achieved together in sporting terms is immortalised in the history books of Belgian football. But above all, I feel an enormous bond with this club and all RAFC supporters. And that will always remain so. I may no longer have the strongest heart, but it beats now and in the future for this club.
"It's impossible to thank everyone. Paul and Ria, Michael and the entire Gheysens family, thank you for believing in me when I was really struggling. Sven and Joachim, thank you for the strong team we were. The legal and financial people who probably went crazy with me from time to time. Wouter and Jacques, thank you for giving our club a new future. Because that reassures me today. There is stability and perspective once again.
Saying goodbye
Overmars also revealed that he would be attending Royal Antwerp's upcoming clash against Union Saint-Gilloise this weekend.
That will be his official goodbye to the fans before he begins a 'complete rest' and focuses fully on his health.
11. Marc Overmars (wore Arsenal’s No.11 between 1997 and 2000)2
Arsenal legend Overmars will say goodbye to Antwerp fans this weekendCredit: getty images - getty
The Dutchman had a playing career spanning 19 years, playing for Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona during that time.
He won the Premier League title with the Gunners in 1998, also lifting the FA Cup and two Community Shields in England.
In total, he scored 40 goals and provided 33 assists in North London across his three years at the club.
Overmars won the Champions League with Ajax too, as well as picking up 86 caps for the Netherlands.