Edwin Van Der Sar Health Update: Soccer Legend Stable But Still in Intensive Care.
Former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is still in intensive care but is stable and communicative, according to his wife Annemarie.
The 52-year-old soccer legend suffered a bleed around the brain last Friday while on holiday in Croatia and was rushed to a local hospital.
Credit: (SkySports)
What happened to Van der Sar?
Van der Sar reportedly had a cerebral haemorrhage, which is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain, causing bleeding and damage to the surrounding tissue.
This can lead to symptoms such as headache, confusion, weakness, numbness, vision problems, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and loss of consciousness.
The exact cause of Van der Sar’s condition is not known, but some possible risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, and older age.
Cerebral haemorrhages are serious and potentially life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention and treatment.
Edwin Van Der Sar Health Update: How is he doing now?
According to a statement issued by his wife via Ajax, his former club where he served as chief executive until May this year, Van der Sar is “not in life-threatening danger” but remains in the intensive care unit.
He is able to communicate with his family and doctors, but his situation is still of concern and requires patience.
“Edwin is still in the intensive care unit, but is stable.
He is not in life-threatening danger.
Every time we get to visit him, he’s communicative.
We have to wait patiently to see how his situation will develop,” Annemarie said.
What are his achievements?
Van der Sar is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, having won numerous trophies and accolades during his illustrious 21-year career.
Edwin played for Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United, winning four Eredivisie titles, two Champions League titles, four Premier League titles, and one UEFA Cup among others.
He also earned 130 caps for the Netherlands national team, reaching the final of the 2010 World Cup.
Van Der Ser retired in 2011 and joined the board of Ajax in 2012, before becoming the chief executive in 2016.
He oversaw the club’s resurgence as a European force, reaching the semifinals of the Champions League in 2019.
He resigned from his position at the end of last season after Ajax finished third in the Dutch league and missed out on the Champions League qualification for the first time in 14 years.
Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 7, 2023
How have people reacted?
Van der Sar’s condition has shocked and saddened the soccer world, with many fans, players, clubs, and organizations sending their messages of support and prayers for his recovery.
Some of the notable figures who have expressed their solidarity include:
- Manchester United: “The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and his family following reports that he has been admitted to hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage.”
- Ajax: “We are very concerned about Edwin van der Sar’s health situation. We wish him all the best.”
- David Beckham: “Sending my love and best wishes to my friend Edwin van der Sar. Stay strong mate.”
- Cristiano Ronaldo: “I’m praying for you Edwin van der Sar. You are a champion and a fighter. God bless you.”
- Ruud van Nistelrooy: “Edwin van der Sar is one of my best friends in football. I’m devastated by this news. I hope he recovers soon.”
- Peter Schmeichel: “Edwin van der Sar is not only a great goalkeeper but also a great person. I’m hoping for a positive outcome.”
- Gianluigi Buffon: “Edwin van der Sar is an inspiration for me and many other goalkeepers. He has always been a gentleman on and off the pitch. I’m sending him my best wishes.”
What’s next?
Van der Sar’s condition remains uncertain and will depend on how well he responds to the treatment and how much damage has been done to his brain.
His recovery may take weeks or months or longer, depending on various factors such as his age, health status, the severity of the bleeding, and complications.
He will likely need rehabilitation to regain his physical and mental abilities that may have been affected by the stroke.
He may also need medication to prevent further bleeding or clotting, as well as surgery to relieve pressure or repair the damaged blood vessel.
We hope that Van der Sar will make a full and speedy recovery and return to his normal life as soon as possible.
He is a soccer icon who has given so much joy and excitement to millions of fans around the world.
He deserves all our respect and support.
