ARSENAL legend Kenny Sansom is fighting for his life after allegedly being battered in a drunken row.
The ex-England star, 61, who has battled alcohol problems in the past, reportedly fell and seriously injured his head in the horror.
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
Kenny has been unable to help police with their enquiries while having treatment in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Mail Online reports.
His family are reported to be keeping a vigil by his bedside.
A statement on his Twitter tonight said: “Kenny is currently ill in hospital. He is being well cared for and does not have COVID-19.
“Kenny’s family and close friends kindly ask the media to respect his and their privacy, plus that of the healthcare workers treating Kenny.”
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.
BATTLE WITH BOOZE
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
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
