For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
Thank you for subscribing!
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
We have more newsletters
Premier League star-turned-pundit Kieron Dyer has been released from hospital after the ex-Newcastle and England star recently underwent a 'life-saving' liver transplant
Dyer, 44, retired from football in 2013 but was diagnosed with a condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis – a chronic liver condition – six years later. The former Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins contestant released a statement on Thursday confirming the illness 'has no cure', but a transplant has given him a new lease of life.
"Ever since that day [he was diagnosed], I knew that I would require a transplant," said Dyer. "Three months ago, I was admitted to the Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. A fortnight ago came the life-changing news that I was to be the recipient of a new liver, and would swiftly undergo a transplant. This morning I was discharged from hospital.
READ MORE: David Beckham tells Victoria 'be honest' and Netflix clip has fans 'wetting themselves'
READ MORE: Kevin Keegan 'has problem with female pundits talking about men’s game' and 'isn't keen'
"Simply saying ‘thank you’ to the staff at the hospital feels insufficient. They have been extraordinary. Be it the nurses, porters, doctors or consultants, I have been blown away by the quality of care I received. I could not have been in better hands throughout, and my appreciation goes beyond words. I will never forget them."
Dyer – who made 250 appearances for Newcastle – became a fan favourite during his appearance on I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here in 2015, after which he donated his entire fee to Jude Brady Foundation. The British Liver Trust describes primary sclerosing cholangitis as a condition that 'leads to the bile ducts inside and outside the liver progressively decreasing in size due to inflammation and scarring'.
Following his retirement at Middlesbrough a decade ago, Dyer began his coaching career with boyhood club Ipswich Town's youth in 2014. He enjoyed two separate spells on the Tractor Boys staff and briefly assisted former first-team boss Paul Cook in 2021 before more recently reuniting with Cook at Chesterfield.
"I know that the liver I have been given has come from someone of a similar age to myself and that is truly heart breaking," he continued in his statement. "It is the generosity and kindness of others that gives those in my position a chance, and I will ensure I make the most of it. The gratitude I feel for the position I find myself in, has no bounds and I feel blessed to leave hospital feeling healthier than ever.
"I would like to thank my family who have offered extraordinary support during what has been a very tough period, and whilst there will inevitably be bumps in the road ahead, I return home with my optimistic outlook that I worried would never return."
The former Magpies midfielder went on to say he had 'watched more games from his hospital bed' in the past three months than in any other period of his life. He also thanked Ipswich for offering their support throughout his diagnosis and treatment, as well as current employers Chesterfield and Cook individually.
- Breaking News
- Newcastle United FC
- England Football Team
- Premier League
- Kieron Dyer
- West Ham FC
- Ipswich Town FC
- Queens Park Rangers FC
- Middlesbrough FC
Source: Read Full Article