MOTHERWELL icon Mitchell van der Gaag has stepped down from his managerial role in Portugal after collapsing in the dugout, writes Scott Mullen.

 

The Dutchman, 41, who played for two years at the Fir Park club, received two shocks from a defibrillator as a result of losing consciousness during Belenenses' tie with Maritimo.

He had been in charge of the Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit since 2012, but announced yesterday his intention to take a break from football following his latest health scare.

Van der Gaag said: "For now I'll stop working and I will solve my problem.

"Everything I do is to get back as quickly as possible.

"I'm alive today, it was a very violent thing that happened on Saturday. I have a heart problem, some time ago, before arriving at Belenenses.

"I have a pacemaker and defibrillator. On Saturday during the game I felt bad and received two shocks and the unit saved my life.

"The president was fantastic, sensational. I have no words for the technical team and technical department.

"I have to leave work, because life is more important. Now my doctor is my coach."

A statement on the Fir Park club's Twitter read: "Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to wish him all the best with his recovery and wish him good health for many years to come."

Well paid £400,000 for the PSV ace in 1995 before he joined Utrecht two years later.