ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) \u2014 Soccer great Marc Overmars is stepping down as Royal Antwerp\u2019s sports director due to health issues.<\/p>\n
Overmars, who joined the Belgian club in 2022, explained his decision in a letter to supporters published on Wednesday as he mentioned \u201call the fatigue that has built up over the years and the enormous amount of stress.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former Netherlands, Arsenal, Barcelona and Ajax winger recovered from a mild stroke in December 2022. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou all know that my health has not been optimal,\u201d he wrote. \u201cBut now I feel very clearly that I can no longer cope with this hectic, stressful professional life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Overmars previously spent nearly a decade as director of football at Ajax, the Dutch club where he began his playing career but resigned after he was found to have sent inappropriate messages to several female colleagues. He apologized for his behavior. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy energy is now completely depleted. If I do not listen to my body now, my doctors say there is a very high risk of things ending badly,\u201d Overmars said. \u201cSo I have to make a drastic decision and completely stop my professional activities for the time being.\u201d<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n