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One of the greatest footballers in the history of the Netherlands, Marc Overmars, has recently had to make possibly the most important decision of his life - to retire from the world of sports. His 15-year career as a 31-year-old player ended due to a knee injury.
Throughout his career, Overmars represented Spain, Amsterdam, London, and, of course, the Netherlands national team 441 times, scoring a total of 95 goals. Unfortunately, all of this came to an end due to an old injury.
Sad Decision
My heart said that I could still play, but my head and my right knee said otherwise," said Overmars. "I feel that maybe it's too early to hang up my boots, but in the last few years I had problems and I can't play at the level I want anymore.
Last Song
So those 117 minutes of football that Overmars played in the European Championship, the 3 matches, became the "swan song" of this Dutch professional footballer. In fact, this Dutch defender admits that he delayed his decision to retire in order to try one last time to climb the highest steps of honor with the Netherlands national team.
Unsolved Issues
The last operation I had was 3 years ago, and when I came back, the first few months were good," said Overmars. "But the problem was not resolved, and I needed 6 cortisone injections to stretch out last season. I just really wanted to play, so I participated in the European Championship."
Impressive Record
In addition to his remarkable achievement - 86 matches played for the Netherlands national team, Overmars also holds an impressive record at the club level - winning both the FA Cup and the Premier League title with Arsenal in the same year. Mark Overmars also had success in his home country of the Netherlands - in the mid-90s, representing the "Ajax" team that was flourishing at the time, winning several titles and earning a good reputation in the football world.
It was with "Ajax" that Marc triumphed in the dramatic 1995 UEFA Champions League final. Overmars considers this triumph as the most vivid episode of his illustrious career. "I have achieved a lot, there have been great moments in my career," said Overmars. "But winning the Champions League with Ajax was very special and extraordinary."
Double Pride
Arsenal respect
Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's head coach, honored the player by saying: "I am very sad to hear that Overmars had to retire from football. Marc was a very important player to our club when he played here, and of course for his contribution to our double in 1998, he will never be forgotten."
Thank you, "Barca"
Meanwhile, Overmars took the opportunity to say a sincere thank you to his last club, Barcelona. "As a child, I dreamed of playing for Barcelona. For four years I could live my dream," said Overmars. "I am convinced that under the leadership of Frank Rijkaard, the club is starting a new and successful era."
By the way, the Barcelona team and its fans were the first to learn about Overmars's retirement from the world of sports. In an open letter, which is printed on our portal, Marc Overmars informed the club's fans that he was ending his career.
Life after football
So what lies ahead for a person who clearly admits that coaching doesn't excite him much? Overmars says he will continue to work hard: "Football was a big part of my life, but life does not end with football. My priorities will be my family and helping my father and brothers in the business we founded. I will still be in some way part of the football world, but life goes on."
