Shamed ex-Arsenal star Marc Overmars makes swift football return after leaving Ajax over sexting scandal

FORMER Arsenal midfielder Marc Overmars is back in football with Royal Antwerp – just a month after his Ajax exit.

The former director of football was kicked out of the club amid allegations he had sent inappropriate text messages to other club staff.

But Antwerp have snapped up Overmars’ services on the back of his track record on the pitch at Ajax.

The 2020 Belgian Cup champions are said to be ambitious with the owners targeting a first league title since 1957.

And they believe the addition of someone of Overmars’ pedigree will help their bid.

After all, the former Arsenal winger is partly responsible for Ajax’s recent domestic and European success.

He is responsible for bringing the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Davinson Sanchez to the club before selling them on for huge fees.

Overmars also helped to improve Ajax’s youth structure and promoted the careers of Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van de Beek, all of whom were also sold for big money.

Those are the qualities which likely appeal to Antwerp, giving Overmars a second chance in the game following his apology for his misconduct.

After he was found to have sent X-rated images of himself to colleagues Overmars stood down from his position and said he was ashamed of his behaviour.

He said in a statement: “I am ashamed.

“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.

“This also has a major impact on my private situation. That is why I ask everyone to leave me and my family alone.”