EPL: Van der Sar rushed to hospital after suffering cerebral haemorrhage

Former Manchester United and Ajax goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar has been rushed to hospital after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage.

The 52-year-old, who played for Ajax and then Manchester United, was on holiday on a Croatian island when he fell ill, Dutch public broadcaster NOS said. But he’s been stabilized.

Ajax said in a statement;

“Edwin van der Sar has had 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.”

Manchester United also released a statement confirming that Van der Sar has been admitted to a hospital. The statement read;

“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.

“Edwin always receives a warm welcome whenever he returns to Old Trafford, having been one of the most popular and decorated goalkeepers in our club’s history. Between the Dutchman’s arrival from Fulham in June 2005 and his retirement from football in May 2011 at the age of 40, he made a total of 266 appearances and contributed hugely to the Reds winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League and Club World Cup, among other trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Everyone at United wishes to join our friends at Ajax in wishing Edwin all the very best for a full and swift recovery.”

Regarded as one of the world’s all-time best goalkeepers, Van der Sar played for Ajax from 1990-1999, winning the Champions League in 1995. He is also the second-highest-capped Netherlands player of all time with 130 international appearances.

52-year-old Van der Sar also won the Premier League four times at United, as well as the Champions League in 2008. He was also named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on three separate occasions and won the division’s golden glove award for the most clean sheets in the 2008-09 season.

After retirement, he returned to Ajax, where he took up the role of chief executive in 2016. He resigned in May and transferred his duties to colleagues on June 1, but was asked by the board to formally remain in his position until 1 August to ensure a smooth handover.