Picture Credit: Twitter
Former Netherlands and Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been hospitalised following a brain haemorrhage on Friday. The 52-year-old was on holiday in Croatia when he fell ill and had to be rushed to the hospital. His former club Ajax confirmed through a Twitter post that van der Sar was under intensive care but in a stable condition. This news came as a shock to fans around the world who quickly took to social media to send their best wishes to the iconic goalkeeper.
Ajax’s statement said that van der Sar had a ‘bleeding around his brain’. Further details were not provided by the Dutch club, though it was later reported that the former Ajax Chief Executive is suffering from a cerebral haemorrhage. The Manchester United and Ajax legend was sent support from his former clubs. United said on Twitter: "Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin”, while Fulham tweeted, "Everyone at Fulham Football Club wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We're thinking of you."
Ajax, who van der Sar served as both a player and an executive, said in their statement that “Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you.”
Van der Sar resigned from Ajax as Chief Executive in May, after 11 years on the board of directors at the Eredivisie club. This was following a heavily disappointing season for Ajax, finishing third in the league and missing out on Champions League qualification. "I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things," van der Sar said. "It doesn't feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign."
The Dutch keeper made more than 200 appearances for the Amsterdam Club, winning multiple Eredivisie titles and a European Cup in the 90s. This would be followed by spells at Juventus and Fulham before the goalkeeper joined Manchester United in 2005. The player would enjoy a magical career at United, winning the premier league 4 times, the Champions League once and the FA Cup twice.
