Nacho Novo in stable condition after suspected heart attack

The 38 year old was rushed to hospital in Berlin from the Max-Schmeling Halle arena.

Press Eye
Author: Naomi HollandPublished 8th Jan 2018
Last updated 8th Jan 2018

Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo is in a stable condition after suffering a suspected heart attack on Saturday evening.

The 38-year-old was featuring for Rangers in the AOK Traditionsmasters 2018 in Berlin when he was taken ill after they had been knocked out of the round-robin tournament.

It's understood he was rushed to hospital from the Max-Schmeling-Halle arena before undergoing emergency surgery.

The club has now confirmed that Novo, who played at Ibrox between 2004 and 2010, is in a stable condition, tweeting: "The Club can confirm that Nacho Novo took ill after playing in the AOK Traditionmasters tournament in Berlin yesterday. He was admitted to hospital and is in a stable condition.

"Everyone at the club wishes Nacho a speedy recovery.''

On Saturday morning Novo, who last played for Glentoran, posted a picture on Instagram of him sharing a pre-match coffee with team-mate Michael Mols, with Gordon Durie, Alex Rae, Andy Goram and Jorg Albertz also playing for Rangers.

The Scottish club lost both of their round-robin games, though Novo was on the scoresheet several times according to the tournament's official website.

Irish Premiership side Glentoran, who released Novo in May, tweeted about the incident.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton also showed his support.

He posted on Twitter: "Best wishes and thoughts to Nacho Novo and his family after he had a heart attack yesterday.''

John Hartson added: "Get well soon Wee Nacho Novo hope you make a speedy recovery.'