WORLD CUP legend Johnny Rep has sparked fears for his well-being after suffering a heart attack.
The former Ajax winger, 72, who now lives in Spain, has been rushed to hospital.
The Dutchman’s health crisis came just a day after his Holland teammate Johan Neeskens passed away on Sunday aged 73.
Rep helped inspire Holland to runners-up spots at both the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals.
He set a national record by scoring seven goals at the tournaments in West Germany and Argentina.
Rep’s late goal in Holland’s 3-2 loss to Scotland in 1978 infamously put the Dutch into the second round – and sent the Scots home despite Archie Gemmill’s heroics.
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Rep’s biographer Mark van den Heuvel told Dutch media the ex-player needs to be fitted with a pacemaker.
He said: “The insurers want Johnny to go back to Holland, as it just costs £8,400 [10,000 euros] to fit him with a pacemaker as against £21,000 in Spain.
“But his family says that Johnny is far too weak to make the journey.
“It’s not clear to me how the next few days are going to pan out.
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“Johnny swore to me that he will survive this, and everyone around him says he will be OK.
“His children are at his bedside.”
Rep revealed last summer that he has undergone three stomach operations as well as back surgery.
The former right winger has also battled alcohol addiction, and endured financial difficulties.
Rep inspired Ajax to European Cup glory in both 1972 and 1973.
He also won two Eredivisie titles with the Amsterdam club, and went on to play for Valencia, Bastia, Saint Etienne, Zwolle and Feyenoord.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
