Former Manchester United and Ajax goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is in the hospital after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage, Ajax announced on Friday.
The 51-year-old Dutchman is being closely monitored in the intensive care unit and is reported to be in a stable condition.
“Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery,” the club said in a statement. “We’re thinking of you.”
Van der Sar is a legendary goalkeeper who won four Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester United. He also won three Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with Ajax.
After retiring from playing, van der Sar served as CEO of Ajax from 2016 to 2022.
The news of van der Sar’s illness has sparked an outpouring of support from the football community. Manchester United, Ajax, and many other clubs have tweeted messages of support, and fans have taken to social media to wish him a speedy recovery.
About cerebral hemorrhage
A cerebral hemorrhage, also known as a brain bleed, is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. This can cause bleeding inside the brain, which can damage brain tissue.
Cerebral hemorrhages are a serious medical emergency.
Symptoms can include sudden headache, vomiting, nausea, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, and difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
On Friday, Edwin van der Sar has had a bleeding around his brain. He’s currently in hospital in the intensive care unit and is in a stable condition.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 7, 2023
Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow.
Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking… pic.twitter.com/M7jKs5TBB9