Former Man United star Andy Cole says he is on road to recovery following kidney failure



Andy Cole playing for Manchester United Legends against Bayern Munich this year



FORMER Manchester United star Andy Cole says he is on the road to recovery following kidney failure.

 

Cole, 44, was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in the summer and spent three weeks in hospital undergoing tests and dialysis. 

He is on medication, including strong steroids which have changed his appearance, but hopes to be fully over the illness by the Spring.

"I just try to enjoy life as much as possible," he said. “By getting ill, I've been very unfortunate, but I'm getting on with it the best I can. I'll try to get over it as quickly as possible.

 

"I think there were a lot of questions beforehand about my appearance and how it's changed. I had a kidney problem diagnosed five or six months ago and it was disappointing to miss playing in the UNICEF game at Old Trafford recently due to that.

“But everyone has been really good and positive about me regarding my kidney problem and I'll get there in the end."

Cole, who scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for United between 1995 and 2002, says the worst part of his illness is not being able to keep fit, which was why he had to pull out of David Beckham’s UNICEF fund-raiser.

 

Cole scored 121 goals in 271 appearances between 1995 and 2002 for United

"Not being able to do what I want and not being able to keep fit has been the toughest thing, I think," he told MUTV.

"When you're fit, you take things for granted, like getting up in the morning and going for a run, stuff like that. I realise I can't do that anymore and it could be like that for the next four or five months.

"Fingers crossed, come spring or summer [I'll be okay], but I've got a long way to go. I know it's going to be a tough battle but I know I'll get there.

"The messages of support from the fans have been gratefully received and wherever possible, I will continue my role as Manchester United ambassador and would like to thank the club for their continued support during this time."