Football hero Andy, 45 has kidney transplant
Operation ends agony of waiting for ex-Man U star hit with protein disorder
FORMER Manchester United and England striker Andy Cole has had a kidney transplant.
The 45-year-old ex-player – now an ambassador for the Old Trafford club – suffered kidney failure in 2014 after contracting an airborne virus.
He was diagnosed with a disorder called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which affects the levels of protein in the body after scar tissue forms in the kidneys’ filter units.
Last year, the father of two revealed he was on strong steroids in the hope of bringing the disease under control.
He was given his new kidney at Manchester Royal Infirmary on Thursday.
United issued a statement yesterday, saying: “During his recuperation, Andrew will be taking a break from his role as Manchester United ambassador.
“Andrew and his family would like to thank the club and fans for their support and request that he can continue with his treatment in private and ask that their privacy is respected.”
A club spokeswoman added that the former player was expected to remain in hospital for some time.
She added: “Everything is fine and he is doing well but he will probably have to stay in hospital for a couple more days. It’s a big operation.”
One of the side-effects of the player’s condition – which affected NBA basketball players Sean Elliott and Alonzo Mourning as well as Diff ’rent Strokes actor Gary Coleman – is weight gain.
When he first revealed the condition, Cole said: “I am on a course of medication including some very strong steroids which has led to the change in my appearance.
“Putting on all the weight has been the toughest part.
“When I retired, I promised my kids I will never put on weight because when footballers retire, they eat and drink.
“Seeing the change in my body, that has been tough.
“You get comments like, ‘Andy Cole’s let himself go, who ate all the pies?’
“My kidney was only about 20 per cent functioning when I was diagnosed. I don’t think it is ever going to be 100 per cent but if it gets back to 70-80 per cent I will be delighted.
“When I admitted to myself I was ill, it was tough to accept. I didn’t want my family to worry about me.”
Cole, who scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for the Red Devils, played for 12 clubs – including Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers – and made 15 appearances for England. Please post me free & without obligation full details of the Alta2 Pro hearing aid. K Tick if pensioner. Mr/Mrs/Miss Surname Address First Name