Marc Overmars has announced he will be stepping down from his job as sporting director at Royal Antwerp for health reasons.
The Dutchman Overmars, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double with Arsenal in 1998 before joining Barcelona, said in an open letter to supporters his "energy is completely depleted" after the summer transfer window.
The 53-year-old had been in discussions over extending his contract, but will now take some time to focus on his well-being.
"You all know that my health is not optimal. However, I now feel very clearly that I can no longer handle this hectic, stressful professional life," Overmars said.
"I do want to, very much so, and preferably until the end of this football season, and for many seasons after that. Discussions regarding a contract extension were therefore well under way. But my health forces me to be honest with myself and everyone around me.
- Jude Bellingham takes responsibility for Real Madrid not thrashing Inter Milan: 'Two sitters'
- Real Madrid's José Mourinho insists Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't a midfielder despite Inter start
"My energy is completely depleted today: if I don't listen to my body now, my doctors predict that the chance of a bad outcome is very high, so I have to make a drastic decision and completely cease my professional activities for the time being.
"There are no words to describe how much pain this causes me. RAFC, the city of Antwerp, and the supporters of our club have become a part of who I have become, both professionally and personally."
Overmars will mark his departure from the club ahead of their next home match against Union Saint-Gilloise at the Bosuilstadion on Sept. 20.
"I may no longer have the strongest heart, but it beats for this club, now and in the future," he added.
