Former Barcelona and Arsenal star Marc Overmars admits "45 per cent" of his heart is dead.
The Royal Antwerp football chief suffered a stroke in December and admits his recovery has been difficult.
He told HLN: I have to catch my breath when I talk a lot, 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, I just have to distribute my energy as best I can."
Overmars has overseen a major improvement since taking charge and added: "If there are important points or meetings on the agenda, I focus on them. I can recover the next day.
"I'd rather die here than do nothing."
