Former
England and Tottenham striker Jimmy Greaves is in intensive care after
suffering a severe stroke.
The 75-year-old, who suffered a minor stroke in 2012, was admitted to
hospital on Sunday.
Greaves scored 266 goals in 379 matches for Tottenham, with whom he
collected two FA Cup winners medals in 1962 and 1967. He was also part of
their side that lifted the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1963.
During his international career he scored 44 goals in 57 appearances and was
part of the England squad which won the World Cup on home soil in 1966.
Greaves started as a teenager with Chelsea, before moving to Italy to play
for AC Milan. He ended his top-flight career at West Ham in the early 1970s.
After retiring from the game, Greaves co-hosted the popular Saturday
lunchtime football show Saint and Greavsie alongside ex-Liverpool forward
Ian St John.
A statement issued on behalf of his family read: "Football legend Jimmy
Greaves suffered a severe stroke on Sunday May 3 and is in intensive care in
hospital.
"His wife, Irene, and four children have asked for privacy during what is a
worrying time for the family. They will issue a bulletin on his condition
when it is appropriate.
"England's greatest ever goal scorer was 75 on February 20, and has been
working regularly on the personal appearances circuit in harness with his
friend and agent Terry Baker.
"Jimmy had a minor stroke in 2012, but appeared to have made a full
recovery. He was due to be inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame
on May 13 at a sell-out ceremony at White Hart Lane.
"This is all we wish to say at the present time."
Tottenham's official Twitter feed posted: "Everyone at the club wishes Jimmy
Greaves a speedy recovery after he suffered a stroke yesterday. Our thoughts
are with Jimmy and his family at this difficult time."
Ex-Tottenham chairman Lord Sugar also tweeted: "Get well soon Jimmy."
And Sir Geoff Hurst, who replaced Greaves during England's journey towards
winning the World Cup in 1966, tweeted: "Thinking of my friend and one of
our greats this morning. Wishing him all the best and hoping for a speedy
recovery."
Chelsea, the club with whom Greaves began his professional career, posted:
"Thinking of former Blue Jimmy Greaves and his family at this time. We wish
him a full and swift recovery."
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