Author: Amrit Santlani
Edwin van der Sar, the former Manchester United and Ajax goalkeeper, has finally been taken out of intensive care after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The Dutchman himself posted an update on his state of health on Twitter, sharing a photo with his wife in their hospital bed.
Van der Sar revealed that he is no longer in intensive care after the soccer world united in their prayers for the legendary goalkeeper. However, he added that he will remain in hospital until next week, before taking the next step on his road to recovery.
The 52-year-old man was on vacation in Croatia when he suffered the hemorrhage, after which he was admitted to a hospital before being transferred to his homeland.
“I’m happy to share that I’m no longer in the intensive care unit,” Van der Sar wrote on Twitter.
“However, I’m still in hospital. I hope to return home next week and take the next step in my recovery” he added.
The legendary goalkeeper’s former clubs, Ajax and Manchester United, as well as Fulham, had already released statements saying that Van der Sar was in their prayers, while his former teammate, Rio Ferdinand, also shared his wishes with the Dutchman’s family.
Van der Sar thanked all supporters for their messages and prayers.
The veteran made 130 appearances for his country and, after retiring in 2011 after several seasons with United, he joined the Ajax board in 2012.
The Dutchman was subsequently promoted to chief executive of the club in 2016, but after an abysmal campaign last year, Van der Sar resigned after the team finished third in the Eredivisie and subsequently failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history since 2009.
The slender goalkeeper began his playing career with Ajax in 1990 and, after a decade, went to Juventus, but after just two seasons Fulham came calling. After impressing with the Cottagers, he joined United and made 266 appearances for Manchester United, winning four Premier League titles and a Champions League title in 2008, among many other honors.