ARSENAL legend Marc Overmars has suffered "irreparable damage" to his heart following a cardiac arrest last month.
The 49-year-old was rushed to hospital on December 30 after experiencing what was initially reported to be a "mild stroke".
But now it has been revealed the ex-Holland international's condition is more serious.
According to De Telegraaf, his heart is only able to pump blood at 30 per cent of its normal volume.
The report states that part of his heart muscle has died due to complications during what was actually a cardiac arrest.
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This means that its capacity to pump blood around the body has been reduced by 70 per cent compared to its normal volume.
Overmars told Dutch media: "That's right. I have to take it easy and move forward one step at a time."
Overmars enjoyed a superb career as a player, featuring for the likes of Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona.
He won three Eredivisie titles and the Champions League with Ajax.
He then joined Arsenal and claimed a Premier League-FA Cup double in 1998.
Overmars also received 86 caps for Netherlands, scoring 17 goals.
Following his playing career, he took up roles as both a coach and director of football at Ajax.
He was kicked out of the club amid allegations he had sent inappropriate text messages to other club staff.
In response, he said: "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 apologise.
"Certainly for someone in my position, this behaviour is unacceptable. I now see that but it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax."
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Overmars then joined Belgian side Royal Antwerp as their director of football in March of last year.
Following his stroke, an Antwerp statement read: "Marc Overmars, director of football affairs at RAFC, became unwell last night and was admitted to hospital with a mild stroke.
"Marc is doing well in the meantime but will have to take it easy for a while.
"Marc and his family focus on his recovery and do not wish to comment further. RAFC wishes Marc a speedy recovery!"