Arsenal icon takes drastic action as 'chance of bad health outcome is very high'
Marc Overmars has stepped away from his duties a tRoyal Antwerp(Image: Getty Images)
Marc Overmars has stepped down as director of Royal Antwerp, as a result of medical professionals predicting a 'very high' chance of a 'bad health outcome' if he was to continue.
The 53-year-old has worked with the Belgian outfit since 2022, but has made the decision to put his professional career on hold to prioritise his wellbeing.
In a statement shared with fans online, Overmars 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.
"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.
Arsenal face Napoli in their opening Champions League fixture on September 9. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports via HBO Max or Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"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 immortalized 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.
Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.
This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
"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. For the match against Union, I want to thank you all in person again next week. After that, complete rest is truly necessary.
"In the future, you'll certainly still see me at the Bosuil. And with a steak in Pont-neuf. A stew in den Artist. On my scooter through the Kloosterstraat. I love RAFC. I love the cookie city. I love you all!"
Overmars represented Arsenal for three years during his prolific playing career between 1997 and 2000, leaving North London with a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a Community Shield to show for his efforts on the wing.
Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
