Marc Overmars quits in disgrace as 'appalling' text scandal engulfs Ajax

Marc Overmars has quit as Ajax’s director of football after he sent a “series of inappropriate messages to several female colleagues,” the Dutch club have revealed.

The former Arsenal winger last night told of his decision to step down after 10 years at the club following talks with chief executive Edwin van der Sar, who described this situation as “appalling” on an extraordinary evening in Dutch football.

“I am ashamed,” Overmars told the club’s website. “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.”

Overmars had been linked with a return to Arsenal in 2019. At the time, there had been reservations as to how he would fit in at boardroom level at the Emirates at the scandal engulfing the 48-year-old is now likely to extinguish his hopes of a return to the club, in the short term at least. He had only recently signed a contract extension at Ajax until 2025.

He appealed for privacy in the wake of the revelations. “This also has a major impact on my private situation. That is why I ask everyone to leave me and my family alone.”

High-ranking officials at the Dutch club were adamant Overmars could not continue in a series of unusually frank statements.

“This is a dramatic situation for everyone who is involved in any way,” Leen Meijaard, chairman of the club’s board said. “It is devastating for the women who have had to deal with the behavior. When we heard news of this, we immediately acted, carefully deliberating and weighing what was the best thing to do - all in consultation with CEO Edwin van der Sar and assisted by an external expert.

“Marc is probably the best football director that Ajax has had. We upgraded and extended his contract for a reason. But, unfortunately, he has really gone over the line, so continuing as director was not an option, as he recognized himself.

“It is extremely painful for everyone. I want to express the wish that everyone involved is given the peace and privacy to process this.”

Edwin van der Sar, the former Manchester United keeper who is now the club’s CEO, told of his sadness at his old friend’s behaviour.

“I find the situation appalling for everyone and I agree with Leen Meijaard’s words,” he added.

“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 ten 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.”