The 52-year-old is in a critical condition in hospital, his former club Ajax have reported
Ex-Netherlands and Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is in intensive care after suffering brain bleeding, Dutch club Ajax have announced.
Van der Sar, playing for Man United, won the Premier League four times during his time at the club. He also won the Champions League in 2008, which he earned also while at Ajax.
After retirement, Van der Sar, who also worked at Fulham before signing for United, returned to Ajax. Where he took upon himself the role of chief executive in 2016, from which he stood down at the end of last season.
“On Friday, Edwin van der Sar had bleeding around his brain. He’s currently in hospital in the intensive care unit and is in stable condition,” Ajax said in a statement on Twitter.
“Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow. Everyone at AJAX wishes Edwin rapid recovery. We’re thinking of you.”
Although no further details were given by Ajax, Van der Sar was admitted to hospital in Croatia after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage.
Following an unsatisfactory season for Ajax, the club finishing third in the Eredivisie and missing out on Champions League qualification, Van der Sar announced he would step down from his role after almost 11 years on the club’s board.
“I feel the need to take some distance, get some rest, and achieve other things,” he said on Twitter at the close of May.
“It doesn’t feel appropriate to decide about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.”
United offered Van der Sar the club’s best wishes.
“Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin,” a post on the club’s Twitter feed read.
We pray for him for a full and good recovery.
