Andy Cole Out Of Old Trafford Charity Match Due To Kidney Failure
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has had to pull out from the UNICEF charity match at Old Trafford, because he’s been suffering from kidney failure.
The 44-year-old, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during a trophy-laden spell with United, said he is not well enough to play in the Match for Children, which will take place on the 14th of November.
Cole said in a statement:
“In June of this year I suffered kidney failure, caused as a result of contracting an airborne virus and I have been under medical care ever since”.
“I was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with a condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.''
Cole said he had spent close to three weeks in hospital undergoing a kidney biopsy and dialysis, and he is continuing on a course of steroids which has led to a slight change in his appearance.
In thanking his doctors at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, as well as his family, Cole added:
“Together we have been through some dark days. However, the good news is that I am feeling better as each day passes and the consultant is hopeful that I will make a full recovery by next spring.”