'My heart is 45% dead': Former Arsenal winger Marc Overmars, 50, has to catch his breath when he talks after a stroke last December, but he says he's still working as a sporting director as he would 'rather die than do nothing'

Marc Overmars feels his heart is '45 per cent dead' after suffering a stroke last December.

The 50-year-old, who won the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal, continues to work as Sporting Director at Royal Antwerp despite the illness, but has now spoken of day-to-day difficulties he faces.

'I have to catch my breath when I talk a lot,' he told Het LaatsteNieuws, 'and it takes energy to stay focused. My heart is 45% dead.

'But you shouldn't feel sorry for me. I am a happy man, only I have to distribute my energy as best I can.