EX-LIVERPOOL and Leeds ace Dominic Matteo has undergone emergency surgery on a brain tumour.
The 45-year-old former Scotland international has come out of intensive care in news that has stunned Anfield and Elland Road.
Dominic Matteo has undergone surgery on a brain tumour after being rushed into hospitalCredit: Getty – Contributor
Matteo, seen celebrating after scoring against Huddersfield in 1999, played for Liverpool from 1992 until 2000Credit: Allsport
Matteo was operated on at Leeds General Infirmary on Monday.
Liverpool said in a statement: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dom, his family and friends and we will be offering our support to them throughout this difficult time.
“We wish Dom a full and speedy recovery and will offer any support we can to his wife and family.”
Leeds tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with our former captain @Dominicmatteo21 and his family after he was taken seriously ill earlier this week. Stay strong Dom!”
Matteo was born in Dumfries in Scotland but moved to Southport in Merseyside as a youngster, before he was spotted by Kenny Dalglish playing against the Kop icon’s son Paul.
He played 127 games for Liverpool between 1992 and 2000 under Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier.
He then made the switch to United where he played for four years as skipper, and scored against AC Milan at the San Siro during their march to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001.
Matteo also played for Blackburn Rovers under Mark Hughes and Stoke City under Tony Pulis before retiring in 2009, mainly due to injury.
He has worked as a pundit for Premier League Productions and LFCTV in recent years.
Matteo tweeted last Sunday before Liverpool’s game against Manchester City, urging fans to tune in for “the big one”.
The European champions added: “Dom’s family would like to place on record their gratitude to all staff at Leeds General Infirmary and express their thanks for all of the messages of support they have received.”
Matteo signed for Leeds in 2000 and starred in their march to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
