Ajax star Dusan Tadic has refused to condemn Marc Overmars over the scandal which cost the club’s ex-director his role at the club.
Overmars, who had been in his post as director of football since 2012, resigned at the start of February after admitting he sent inappropriate messages to female colleagues.
The former Arsenal and Netherlands winger had the contract with Ajax until 2026, but left under a cloud of smoke.
In a statement on the Ajax website, Overmars said: "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 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."
Ajax chairman Leen Meijaard said there was no option for him to remain at the club, despite him being the “best director” they have ever had.
Overmars’ former teammate and CEO at Ajax Edwin van der Sar said: "I find the situation appalling for everyone and I agree with Leen Meijaard's words.
"In my role, I also feel responsible to help colleagues. A safe working climate is very important for everyone at Ajax.
"We will pay even more attention to this in the near future.”
Manager Erik ten Hag also offered his sympathies to the women affected by Overmars’ messages, telling ESPN: "I was totally stunned when I heard it.
"This is disastrous. Especially for the victims; the women. I have a hard time with the suffering that has been caused to them. Everyone processes this in their own way.
"I then withdraw a bit and am a bit quieter than usual. As a coach you naturally have to radiate energy, but that was difficult the last few days."
However, Tadic, who was signed from Southampton by Overmars in 2018, has instead paid tribute to the shamed executive and said “everybody makes mistakes”.
"He will always be my friend and I will always be there for him," Tadic told NOS . "Playing for Ajax has always been a dream for me and because of him that dream came true. That's why he will always be special to me."
The Ajax captain was then asked specifically to comment on the incident which saw Overmars lose his position and added: "I have nothing to say, nothing special. I don't know what happened. I don't care either.
“Whether someone made a mistake or not...I don't want to judge anyone. I don't want to say anything about that, because I don't know what happened.
“I support him as a friend and as a person who has meant a lot to Ajax.
"Everyone makes mistakes,” the Serbian said. "It's not up to us to judge others. I hope Overmars comes back big again, because he really deserves that.”
