Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been admitted to a hospital in Croatia after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage.
The news was shared by AFC Ajax on Twitter, stating that Van der Sar is currently in the intensive care unit and in a stable condition. More information will be provided once available.
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He was transported to the hospital in an helicopter on Friday Afternoon.
This development comes just weeks after Van der Sar announced his decision to step down from his role as chief executive officer at Ajax.
The former Red Devil had held the position for seven years since his appointment in 2016. Van der Sar described the period leading up to his decision as an “incredibly tough” one.
Van der Sar’s departure followed the conclusion of the Eredivisie season, in which Ajax finished 13 points behind league winners Feyenoord.
The team fell short of expectations, missing out on Champions League qualification for the upcoming season after a period of dominance.
Speaking about his departure, Van der Sar had the following to say:
“After almost eleven years on the board, I am exhausted. We’ve been through some very nice things, but it’s also been an incredibly tough period.
“I am very grateful to the people I met and worked with during my second career at Ajax for what we have achieved and experienced.
“I now need to distance myself, relax and do other things. It doesn’t feel good to have to make decisions about the future of this beautiful club in the coming period.
“Hence my decision to stop now.”
Ajax faced criticism for their on-field performance, finishing in third place, their worst league performance in 13 years.
This was the first time since 2008-2009 that they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Despite making several signings throughout the season, including Steven Bergwijn and Calvin Bassey, Ajax fell far behind the title-winners, Feyenoord.
Prior to his departure, Van der Sar had already faced backlash over the departures of director of football Marc Overmars and head coach Erik ten Hag.
While there was some displeasure among fans regarding Van der Sar’s performance, the Supervisory Board Chair, Pier Eringa, expressed their desire for him to stay.
He said: “We wanted Edwin to stay, but his decision was made and we have to respect that. The past season is not representative of the total period of Ajax under his leadership.
“The club has experienced many successes, has grown enormously and has also gained international prestige. His duties will be taken over by the current management.
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“Edwin will remain available for transfer and advice until August. We expect to be able to announce the new management composition soon after 1 August.
“Our ambition is to add someone with an Ajax background to the top,” he added.
