Official: Antwerp sporting director Overmars steps away from football due to health reasons

Beijing time September 9, Antwerp club released an open letter from sporting director Marc Overmars, who has stopped all professional activities due to health reasons.

Marc Overmars' letter

Dear supporters:

Over the past few weeks, I have been preparing to have an in-depth conversation with everyone after the transfer window closed. Because in the past few months, my communication with everyone has not been frequent. Therefore, I had already marked the beginning of September on my calendar, hoping to discuss the future of the club with everyone.

The past few seasons have not been easy for Antwerp. The months during the takeover period were always somewhat chaotic and full of pressure. Once a new chapter begins, everyone must immediately give their full effort. Because for our club, we cannot waste time.

Unfortunately, what I want to tell everyone today is not what I originally planned to say. The fatigue accumulated over many years and the enormous pressure unfortunately reached a peak last weekend. Everyone knows that my physical condition has not been at its best. But now I clearly feel that I can no longer handle this busy and stressful professional life.

Of course I want to continue, and I really do! Ideally, I would have liked to keep working until the end of this season, and even continue for many more seasons. Therefore, discussions over a contract extension had also been ongoing. But my health condition has forced me to be honest with myself and everyone around me.

Now, my energy has been completely exhausted. If I still ignore the signals from my body, my doctor told me that the possibility of serious consequences is very high. Therefore, I have to make a major decision to completely stop my professional work for the coming period.

No words can describe how painful this is for me. Antwerp, the city of Antwerp and our club supporters have become part of both my professional and private life. My family often comes to Antwerp and loves this place very much. It has become our second home.

The achievements we have made together on the sporting level have already been written into Belgian football history. But most importantly, I have a deep affection for this club and all Antwerp supporters. This will never change.

Maybe my heart is no longer as strong as it used to be, but now and in the future, it will continue to beat for this club.

It is impossible for me to thank everyone individually.

Paul and Lia, Michael and the entire Gheysens family, thank you for continuing to believe in me during my most difficult moments.

Sven and Joachim, thank you for making us such a strong team.

I also thank the legal and financial staff, who may occasionally have truly had headaches because of me.

Wouter and Jacques, thank you for bringing a new future to our club. This is something that gives me peace of mind today as well. The club has regained stability and once again sees a future.

Before next week's match against Union Saint-Gilloise, I also want to personally express my thanks to everyone once again. After that, I truly need to rest completely for a while.

In the future, you will certainly still see me at the Bosuil Stadium.

You will also see me eating steak at Pont-neuf, having stew at Den Artist, and riding my small electric scooter through Kloosterstraat.

I love Antwerp. I love this biscuit city. I love you all! (End of full text)

Overmars is 53 years old and a former Netherlands international. During his playing career, he represented clubs including Barcelona, Arsenal and Ajax. He previously experienced serious heart problems.