FORMER England and Arsenal footballer Kenny Sansom is “not out of the woods yet” after being “beaten up in a drunken row”.
The star, 61, who has battled alcohol problems in the past, reportedly fell and seriously injured his head in the incident.
Kenny Sansom is fighting for his life in hospitalCredit: Gary Stone – The Sun
The Arsenal star was said to be in a drunken rowCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The former footballing star is now said to be sitting up in his hospital bed today after he was unable to communicate for a week and doctors said they didn’t expect him to survive the ordeal eight days ago.
His three grown-up children Natalie, Katie and Harry were tonight by his bedside, according to reports.
But his family have been warned: “He’s not out of the woods yet”.
A source told The Mirror: “Ken’s family and friends have been worried sick but he’s a strong man. Things were looking bad but fingers crossed he’s beaten the odds now.
“His family are still trying to make sense of what’s happened but doctors say he had suffered injuries to his nose and head.”
He is said to be currently treated at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Kenny has suffered a string of health problems linked to his alcohol addiction since retiring from football in the 1990s.
The footballer was left homeless at one stage after his marriage broke down and he also suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts.
‘READY TO DIE’ IN 2016
In 2016, he revealed he was “ready to die” as he admitted a heartbreaking defeat in his battle against the booze.
He said at the time: “I want to kill myself. I don’t feel like I’ve got anything left to live for.
“I want to forget my life. I can’t handle life any more. If I could end it now, I would.”
Kenny, who once earned £1,200 a week, also admitted he had been borrowing money from pals and has just £50 to his name as his addiction controlled his life.
After he was pictured sleeping rough on a park bench, former clubs and teammates flooded Kenny with support.
In 2017, former Arsenal striker Niall Quinn paid for his ex-teammate to attend a rehab clinic in Ireland.
In March this year, Kenny offered his support a project providing shelter and company for young people at risk of homelessness in Liverpool.
He said: “Having a home is so important, but you need people.
“I am on my own. I am not happy. My phone does not ring. People need people. But if no one is there, who do you talk to?”
The legend won 86 caps for England and was the most-capped left-back until Ashley Cole in the early 2000s.
He made 394 appearances at Arsenal between 1980 and 1988 and also had spells at Newcastle, QPR, Coventry, Everton and Watford.
Kenny made 394 appearances for ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He was also the most-capped left back for England until the 2000sCredit: Getty – Contributor
Kenny has battled alcohol addictionCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
The left-back had a successful career before retiring in the mid-1990sCredit: Getty – Contributor
He played for Arsenal for eight yearsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Kenny Sansom tells This Morning of his battle to beat alcoholism
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
