Football Legend Ian Rush Recounts Terrifying Health Scare and Club’s Heartwarming Support
Liverpool icon Ian Rush has opened up about a harrowing experience last December, where he was struck down by a severe “super-flu” that landed him in intensive care and left him fearing for his life. The legendary striker, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring prowess, described the ordeal as the “worst hat-trick” of his illustrious career, a devastating combination of Covid, a brutal flu, and a severe asthma attack.
The 64-year-old recounted the terrifying moments when he felt like he was “drowning” and in a state of sheer panic. It was his partner, Carol, a trained lifeguard, who played a crucial role in keeping him breathing until medical professionals from the NHS arrived. “I was telling myself: ‘No, I’m not ready to go, I need to keep fighting. This can’t be the end’,” Rush shared, reflecting on his desperate battle for survival.
During his recovery, doctors discovered that Rush had been suffering from asthma, a condition he was previously unaware of. “When I was recovering the doctors asked me how long I have been suffering from asthma. I told them I didn’t know I did,” he admitted. This brush with mortality served as a stark wake-up call, prompting Rush to re-evaluate his lifestyle choices, many of which he had previously “put off” in favour of his health.
The emotional toll of his illness was compounded by the incredible support he received from the club that defined his career. Liverpool Football Club reached out during his darkest hours, offering their unwavering assistance. In a gesture that deeply touched Rush, the club arranged for him to take a four-week recuperative break in Dubai.
“Liverpool got in touch while I was ill and said they wanted to do what they could to help,” Rush explained. “You don’t realise how dangerous cold weather is until you get older. I appreciated everyone’s concern. I’m a lot more comfortable now.”
He drew parallels between his experience and that of former teammate Alan Hansen, who also faced a significant health battle a few years prior. “Obviously Jocky (Alan Hansen) had his own experience with serious illness a few years ago, and he will have realised how highly he is thought of,” Rush noted. The ordeal prompted a profound shift in his perspective on life and his own achievements.
“I think all of us think about that kind of thing a lot more when friends or loved ones pass away or are seriously ill. When you are young you think you are invincible, don’t you?” he mused. This newfound appreciation for life extended to his celebrated career. “When people say to me I deserve (praise for my achievements), my attitude now is going to be: ‘You know what, yes I do, and I’m so happy I have it.’”
Rush, who netted an astonishing 346 goals in all competitions across his two stints at Anfield, responded well to treatment and was thankfully back home in time to celebrate Christmas. His remarkable recovery has been significantly attributed to the steadfast support of Carol, with whom he has been in a long-term relationship since his marriage to Tracey Rush ended in 2012.
The Welshman was an instrumental figure in Liverpool’s golden era of the 1980s, a period marked by numerous trophies. His journey also included a spell with Italian giants Juventus before returning to Merseyside. Beyond his club achievements, Rush was a national hero for Wales, serving as their leading scorer with 28 goals in 73 caps until his record was surpassed by Gareth Bale in 2018.
This recent health scare has undoubtedly reinforced the importance of health and the invaluable support networks that surround us, especially for sporting legends who have given so much to the game. Rush’s candid reflection serves as a powerful reminder of our own vulnerabilities and the profound impact of community and care during times of adversity.
