adminMarc Overmars has suffered ‘irreparable’ damage to his heart following a cardiac arrest last month.
The former Arsenal and Holland winger was admitted to hospital on December 29 after what was reported to be a mild stroke.
Royal Antwerp, where Overmars works as director of football, said that the 49-year-old was ‘doing well’ when the news was revealed a day later.
Dutch publication De Telegraaf though has revealed that Overmars’ condition is worse than originally reported.
It’s said that his heart is only able to pump blood at 30 percent of its normal volume and that part of his heart muscle has died.
A club statement from Royal Antwerp at the time of his stroke read: ‘Marc Overmars, director of football affairs at RAFC, became unwell last night and was admitted to hospital with a mild stroke.
“Marc is doing well in the meantime, but will have to take it easy for a while.
“Marc and his family focus on his recovery and do not wish to comment further. RAFC wishes Marc a speedy recovery!”
He quit his role as director of football at Ajax early last year in disgrace after sending a series of ‘inappropriate messages’ to female colleagues, including sending a colleague photos of his genitals.
After leaving Dutch side Ajax under a cloud, he said: “I was confronted with reports about my behaviour. And how this has come across to others.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that I was crossing the line with this, but that was made clear to me in recent days. I suddenly felt enormous pressure. I apologise.
“Certainly for someone in my position, this behaviour is unacceptable. I now see that too. But it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax.
“This also has a major impact on my private situation. That is why I ask everyone to leave me and my family alone.”
He joined Antwerp in March 2022, with four sponsors leaving the club the same week, and helped bring former Tottenham duo Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Janssen to the club.
The Reds are currently third in the Belgian Pro League, 13 points off leaders Genk, despite winning each of their first nine matches.
Overmars spent three seasons at Arsenal, scoring 40 goals in 142 appearances in all competitions and winning a Premier League title and FA Cup, before moving to Barcelona.
He played 86 times for his country, scoring 17 goals and appearing at four major tournaments. – Daily Mail.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter