Former Arsenal star Overmars steps down as Antwerp sporting director due to health issues

Former Arsenal star Marc Overmars announced on Wednesday that he has decided to step down as sporting director of Belgian club Royal Antwerp due to ongoing health issues.

The winger, who previously played for the Netherlands national team, Arsenal, Barcelona and Ajax, joined Antwerp in 2022. In a letter to supporters on Wednesday, he explained the reasons, referring to “all the fatigue and enormous pressure that have accumulated over the years.”

Health pressure forces departure

Overmars recovered from a mild stroke in December 2022. In his letter, he wrote: “You all know that my health is not ideal. But now I clearly feel that I can no longer cope with this busy, stressful professional life.”

He further explained: “My energy is now completely depleted. If I do not listen to my body now, doctors say there is a high risk that things could end badly. Therefore, I have to make a difficult decision and completely stop my professional activities for the time being.”

From Ajax to Antwerp

Before moving to Belgium, Overmars spent nearly ten years as Ajax's football director, at the Dutch club where his playing career also began. He resigned from that position after being found to have sent inappropriate messages to several female colleagues and apologized for his actions.

Overmars was a popular figure among Arsenal supporters during his time at the club. He joined the north London side from Ajax in 1997 and helped Arsenal win the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season. He scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

A distinguished playing career

After three years at Highbury, Overmars moved to Barcelona in 2000, becoming the most expensive player in Dutch football history at the time. His playing career eventually ended in his home country with Go Ahead Eagles.

The pacey winger also excelled on the international stage, making 86 appearances and scoring 17 goals for the Netherlands between 1993 and 2004. He played in four major tournaments, helping the Netherlands reach the 1998 World Cup semifinals and the semifinals of Euro 2000 and Euro 2004.