Marc Overmars Quits As Ajax Director Of Football After 'Sending Inappropriate Messages To Female Colleagues'

The 48-year-old was appointed sporting director for Ajax in 2012 and inked a new deal last December to keep him at the Dutch side until 2026.

“I am ashamed. Last week I was confronted with reports about my behaviour and how this has come across to others,” Overmars said.

“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.”

Van der Sar said the news will be a “blow to everyone who cares about Ajax” and found the situation “appalling for everyone.”

The former Manchester United No 1 explained: “I find the situation appalling for everyone and I agree with Leen Meijaard’s words.

“In my role, I also feel responsible to help colleagues. A safe sport and working climate is very important. We will pay even more attention to this in the near future.

“Marc and I have been playing together since the early 1990s, first at Ajax and then with the national team and we have been colleagues in the management of Ajax for almost 10 years now. That has now come to a very abrupt end.

“We are working on something very wonderful here at Ajax, so this news will also be a blow to everyone who cares about Ajax.”

Overmars enjoyed a prolific playing career with Ajax during the 1990s.

The former Ajax star lifted three Eredivisie titles and a Dutch Cup before he signed for Arsenal in 1997.

Overmars, who was capped 86 times by the Netherlands, won the Premier League title and FA Cup with