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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Arsenal legend Marc Overmars in hospital after suffering stroke

Marc Overmars was admitted to hospital on Thursday after suffering a mild stroke.

The Dutchman's employers, Royal Antwerp, confirmed the incident on Friday. The Belgian club have stated Overmars, 49, is "doing well" but will need to rest for "a while". It's unclear when he will return to work, as no further comment has been provided at this time.

Overmars is best known for his glittering playing career, as he represented the likes of Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona. The ex-winger also made 86 senior appearances for Netherlands, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Euros in 2000 and 2004.

"Marc Overmars, director of football affairs at RAFC, became unwell last night and was admitted to hospital with a mild stroke," read a statement. "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!"

Overmars has pursued a career in football administration since hanging up his boots in the summer of 2009. He was appointed as Ajax's director of football in 2012 and held the position for a decade before he was forced to stand down in disgrace in February.

Ajax revealed Overmars had sent a "series of inappropriate messages to several female colleagues". He admitted he was "ashamed" and deemed his behaviour "unacceptable".

Marc Overmars played for Arsenal between 1997 and 2000 (Press Association)

Offer your support to Marc Overmars in the comments below.

Overmars added: "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 apologise.

"Certainly for someone in my position this behaviour is unacceptable. I now see that but it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax."

Overmars was handed an immediate return to football when he became Antwerp's director of football in March. The appointment was controversial due to his recent behaviour, as several sponsors cut ties with the Belgian club in the days following it.

Despite the backlash, Antwerp have stuck by Overmars. The ex-footballer made a name for himself at Ajax during the '90s, playing 193 games for the club and winning seven trophies - including three Eredivisie titles and the Champions League.

Overmars went on to play for Arsenal, Barcelona and Go Ahead Eagles before calling it a day. He was named as the Best Young Player at the 1994 World Cup and was part of the Gunners' side that won a Premier League and FA Cup double during the 1997-98 term.

After his appointment by Antwerp, Overmars promised: "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."

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