Sunday Mirror

LEGENDS BACKED DOM

- BY ROSS HEPPENSTAL­L

KENNY DALGLISH, David O’Leary, Robbie Fowler… the list of big names who supported Dominic Matteo as he fought for his life is a long one.

The popular former Liverpool and Leeds defender went for a routine check-up in November 2019 which resulted in the discovery of a significan­t brain tumour. His condition was critical and he underwent emergency surgery in Leeds General Infirmary which saved his life.

Matteo said: “All the players and ex-players, staff and board members at Leeds and Liverpool have been absolutely unbelievab­le towards me.

“I honestly can’t even begin to tell you how much it meant to me. Eddie Gray was the first person to come and see me, then David O’Leary popped in before Steve McManaman turned up.

“Obviously my friends and family were there every day for me, but the support I had in the game was incredible – King Kenny at Liverpool and a lot of the Leeds directors too.

“Robbie Fowler is one of my closest mates and was always on the phone, trying to cheer me up, and I work for Leeds and Liverpool now, doing bits.”

Matteo is now in good health but added: “It’s ongoing. I had a clear scan, but it’s not a permanent all-clear so that support for me is still massive.

“It gets me through every day – and there is still not a single day that goes by when I don’t get some message of support.”

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