Marc Overmars has joined Royal Antwerp – weeks after resigning at Ajax
Disgraced former Ajax director of football Marc Overmars has secured a new job at Royal Antwerp – just weeks after he was forced to leave the Dutch champions.
Overmars has been officially announced as the new technical director of the Belgian club, where he is to assume a similar role to the one he held at Ajax for a decade.
Overmars sent ‘inappropiate messages’ to female colleagues
The former Arsenal midfielder was forced to step down at Ajax after conversations with CEO and former teammate Edwin van der Sar after reports of alleged misconduct – something Overmars himself later described as ‘unacceptable.’
In his statement after he resignation, he also said he was ‘ashamed’ of himself.
“I am ashamed,” he said. “Last week 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.”
Royal Antwerp view Overmars’ Ajax dismissal as ‘private matter’
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, his new employers see Overmars’ chequered past as a ‘private matter’ and one they can move on from.
The former Dutch international was asked about the incident during his official unveiling, where he said that the matter had been dealt with at Ajax appropriately and hadn’t hindered discussions with Antwerp.
He said: “What has happened at Ajax won’t happen again.
“I am glad to be here. It is a new chapter for me. A beautiful challenge at a club where I see potential to grow.”
Related links
- Marc Overmars removed form FIFA Ultimate Team after messaging scandal
- Marc Overmars leaves Ajax after series of inappropriate messages sent to female colleagues
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