Thanks for saving my life - Jackie
Pal reveals brain op Celt legend’s recovery
FOOTBALL ace Jackie McNamara has returned home after surgery on a brain bleed and thanked medics for saving his life.
The 46-year-old said: “If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here today.”
CELTIC hero Jackie McNamara told of his relief last night after being allowed home from hospital following surgery for a bleed on the brain. The 46-year-old former Scotland star was discharged on Friday after three weeks in hospital and celebrated with a Chinese takeaway. McNamara was rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary last month after collapsing outside his home in York. At the time, he was said to be in a “critical but stable condition”.
But close friend and former Celtic team-mate Simon Donnelly said yesterday: “There’s some great news, he got home.
“He has obviously been through the mill in the last three weeks since everything happened.
“But they have now deemed him fit enough to go home and I believe he had a Chinese takeaway last night.”
Donnelly, 45, added: “The signs are good. It’s going to be a long recovery for him but he’s getting there.”
Later, Jackie tweeted: “I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support for me and my family, from the football community and supporters, during what has been an extremely worrying and emotional time.
“I would like to personally thank the paramedics, York Hospital and Hull Royal Infirmary, who have been phenomenal.
“If it wasn’t for these services I wouldn’t be here today. It will be a slow and steady process but I’m on the road to recovery.
“I am back home with my family and feel very grateful.”
The ex-Dundee United, Partick and York manager – who also played for Dunfermline, Wolves, Aberdeen and Falkirk – has been working as an agent as well as advising Dunfermline through his sports management firm.
McNamara also recently opened a sports bar in Fuengirola, Spain, with Donnelly.