Jimmy Greaves has revealed he has been told by doctors that he ‘won’t walk again’ after suffering a stroke last May.
The Tottenham and England legend, 76, was admitted to hospital last summer before regaining consciousness, though the former striker was unable to speak.
Nine months on, Greaves continues his road to recovery, but admits he has been left ‘devastated’ by the news, but will always continue the fight.
“I remain in a wheelchair and it’s now likely I will stay this way for the rest of my life,” Greaves told the Sunday People.
“The doctors have told me I won’t walk again and that I will always need ongoing care.
“It was devastating to hear them say that but I will never stop trying to get better - and the main thing is that I’m still here fighting all the way.”
Greaves is regarded as one of the greatest English goalscorers of all time - he scored 44 goals in 57 games for his country and also netted a club-record 266 times in 379 matches for Tottenham.
After retiring from the game, Greaves co-hosted the popular Saturday lunchtime football show Saint and Greavsie alongside former Liverpool forward Ian St John.
The ex-Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham star suffered a minor stroke in 2012, but appeared to have made a full recovery.
“My day-to-day life has changed quite considerably, but there’s no point asking, ‘Why me?’, Greaves continued.
“I’m not feeling sorry for myself, I’m just taking each day as it comes and trying to make small improvements all the time.
“If I can lift my arm that little bit further than before, that’s an improvement and I can take heart from that.
“My speech has come on a lot and I can communicate on the phone now.
“I’m watching a lot of sport on the TV and I get out of the house with my sons Andy and Danny whenever I can. You have to focus on the positives.
“I’ve still got my sense of humour and I’ve got my family all around me helping me all of the time. There are a lot of people I have to thank, but especially my family.
“They’ve supported me all the way and I couldn’t have got this far without them. I’m realistic about the future but I’ll never give up trying to improve.
“I still have a belief and a hope that I can keep getting better.”
Greaves was due to be inducted to Tottenham’s hall of fame last May, but the event was postponed due to his health. The ceremony will now take place on April 20th, alongside fellow icon Steve Perryman.
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