The bombshell announcement on Sunday changed into greeted with shock in the Netherlands, with football commentators announcing it might leave a big hole at the u . S .'s pinnacle football membership.
It additionally got here because the usa turned into reeling from a similar scandal involving sexual abuse in one among its maximum popular TV skills suggests, The Voice of Holland.
The 48-12 months-vintage Overmars, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 before happening to play for Arsenal and Barcelona, said he became "ashamed" of his behaviour.
"I am ashamed. Last week I became confronted with reviews about my behaviour and the way this has come upon to others," the 86-time worldwide stated in a announcement.
"Unfortunately, I didn't comprehend that I was crossing the road with this, but that changed into made clear to me in recent days. I all of sudden felt giant strain. I apologise."
He added: "This behaviour is unacceptable. I now see that too. But it's too late. I see no other alternative however to go away Ajax. This also has a first-rate impact on my private scenario. That is why I ask every body to leave me and my own family on my own."
Overmars had been in his submit at Ajax because the summer time of 2012 and these days penned a contract extension till 2026.
In his time as a part of the backroom staff, Ajax made the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 and final of the Europa League in 2017.
In his gambling career, he represented the Netherlands at four major tournaments -- the 1994 and 1998 World Cups and 2000 and 2004 European championships.
- 'Devastating' -
