Edwin van der Sar out of intensive care as Man Utd legend delivers first update since suffering brain haemorrhage
EDWIN VAN DER SAR thanked fans for their support as he revealed that he is no longer in intensive care.
The former Manchester United star remains in hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage while holidaying in Croatia.
Van der Sar, 52, was initially rushed to a Croatian hospital with a bleed to the brain on July 7, before being repatriated last Friday.
After leaving intensive care, the former goalkeeper posted a picture of himself smiling alongside wife Annemarie on social media.
He accompanied the snap with the heartfelt message: “First of all, we want to thank everyone for all the great and supportive messages.
“I’m happy to share that I’m no longer in the intensive care unit. However, I’m still in hospital.
“I hope to go home next week and take the next step in my recovery!”
In an update delivered over the weekend, Annemarie said: “The Van der Sar family would like to express their deep gratitude to the ‘University Hospital of Split’ for their great care during the last week.”
Van der Sar represented Ajax, Juventus, Fulham and Man United during his playing career.
He went on to work as an executive at Ajax, before leaving his role earlier this year.
During his time at Old Trafford, Van der Sar helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s side land four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
He made 266 appearances for United, before retiring in 2011 and being succeeded as No1 by David de Gea.
Upon learning of his brain haemorrhage, the Red Devils wrote on social media: “Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin.”
Van der Sar has been married to his wife Annemarie for 17 years.
The duo have a 25-year-old son together, Joe, who played as a goalkeeper in the US college system for the Pittsburgh Panthers.