FORMER Chelsea star Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospital after a “serious decline in physical health.”
The 63-year-old was the first black footballer to play for the Blues after signing from Hillingdon Borough in 1981.
And after winning over the boo boys, Canoville became a club icon by leading them to the Second Division title in 1984.
However, the former Chelsea winger — who went on to score 15 goals in 103 games before joining Reading in 1986 — is now in hospital after a major health setback.
He has been forced to cancel several charitable appearances, including the premiere of a documentary about his own life on Thursday.
And Canoville, who battled crack cocaine addiction and cancer later in his career, is now looking to recuperate after also suffering a “significant toll on his mental well-being.”
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A statement from the Paul Canoville Foundation read: “It is with a heavy heart that I share an update on the health of our Founder, Paul Canoville.
“Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being.
“As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined — but he now needs time, care, and space to recover.
“His recent absence from school visits and, most heartbreakingly, the Show Racism the Red Card reception at Downing Street earlier this week, has been deeply upsetting for him.
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“We also want to prepare friends and supporters that Paul is very unlikely to attend the premiere of the new documentary about his life tomorrow evening (Thursday) at Regent Street Cinema — something he had been immensely looking forward to.
“Out of respect for his need to rest and heal, we kindly ask that people refrain from contacting Paul directly at this time.
“Any messages of support can be shared as comments on our social posts and we will ensure Paul sees these once well enough.
“Paul’s regular public appearances are an important part of his income. While he takes this time away, we’re asking for donations to help ease that burden and continue the Foundation’s impactful work.
“Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support.”
Chelsea sent their best wishes to their former star and paid tribute to him in a statement.
It read: “Our thoughts are with Paul Canoville and his family at this difficult time.
“Paul’s incredible endurance as a player and through his Foundation’s work has provided inspiration for so many.”
After his time at Reading, Canoville turned out for Enfield, Maidenhead, Burnham, Northwood and Egham Town before retiring in 1994.
Towards the end of his career Canoville became addicted to crack cocaine and had several stints in rehab.
The ace was also twice diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and 2004, making a full recovery each time.
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In 2015, he set up the Paul Canoville Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people.
And in 2021, Canoville was hospitalised after complications from emergency surgery before returning to his Foundation work.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
