By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Ajax Football of Holland have confirmed that its former goal keeper and Manchester United of England icon, Edwin Van Der Sar suffered brain haemorrhage while on holiday in Croatia and he is currently admitted in an hospital in the country.
The club in a statement issued on Friday, 17 July, 2023 said the 52-year-old Dutchman was flown to hospital by helicopter on Friday, 7 July, 2023 but remains in a stable condition
It read: “On Friday, Edwin van der Sar had a bleeding around his brain. He’s currently in hospital in the intensive care unit and is in a stable condition.
“Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow. Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you”.
United also sent Van der Sar their best wishes, saying: “Manchester United is holding Edwin van der Sar and his family in our collective thoughts after hearing the news that the legendary goalkeeper has fallen seriously ill.
“Everyone at United wishes to join our friends at Ajax in wishing Edwin, all the very best for a full and swift recovery”.
Van der Sar left his role as Ajax Chief Executive after seven years in May, saying he was ‘exhausted’ at the end of a difficult season in which the Amsterdam club finished third and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 14 years.
Van der Sar, who won 130 caps for Holland, enjoyed huge success as a player at Ajax before joining Juventus, Fulham and United.
He won four Premier League titles at Old Trafford and also made the decisive save in the penalty shootout as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beat Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final.
He was given compassionate leave the following year when his wife Annemarie collapsed after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
The couple had been in Holland around Christmas in 2009 when Annemarie was admitted to hospital after collapsing in their family home.
They were quickly joined by rallying relatives, including their son Joe and daughter Lynn. She made a full recovery and suffered no long-term effects.
Fulham also issued a statement saying: “Everyone at Fulham Football Club wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you”.
Source: Daily Mail Football
