Marc Overmars quits Ajax after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues

By Jack Bantock. CNN

Updated 1058 GMT (1858 HKT) February 7, 2022

Marc Overmars pictured on October 30, 2021.

(CNN)Marc Overmars will leave his position as Ajax's Director of Football Affairs after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues, the Dutch football club announced on Sunday.

The 48-year-old former Dutch international — who played for Ajax, Arsenal, and Barcelona, among others, during his playing career — had held the role since 2012.Overmars had told the club's Supervisory Board and CEO Edwin Van Der Sar of his desire to quit following discussions over the last few days, his departure confirmed with «immediate effect,» according to a statement released by Ajax.«A series of inappropriate messages sent to several female colleagues over an extended period of time underlies his decision to leave the club,» the statement added.Overmars spent five years as player at Ajax between 1992 and 1997 before a move to English Premier League club Arsenal. Read MoreThe Dutchman played for three years in North London before transferring to Barcelona in 2000 to become the most expensive Dutch footballer of all-time.With 86 appearances for the Dutch national team, he is the 13th most capped player in Netherlands history.Overmars during the UEFA Champions League match between Sporting CP and Ajax Amsterdam on September 15, 2021 In a statement to Ajax's website, Overmars said that he was «ashamed» of his «unacceptable behavior.»" Last week I was confronted with reports about my behavior. And how this has come across to others," Overmars said.«Unfortunately, I didn't realize that I was crossing the line with this, but that was made clear to me in recent days. »I suddenly felt enormous pressure. I apologize. Certainly for