Edwin van der Sar opens up on suffering brain hemorrhage and if he will return to football

A Kick in the Unluckiest of Places: Edwin van der Sar’s Brain Hemorrhage Crisis

Last July, the world woke up to shocking news when Edwin van der Sar, the 52-year-old former Ajax football player, suffered a brain hemorrhage while on holiday in Croatia. The experienced sports marketing director and CEO of the Dutch football club, best known for his 21-year career with Ajax, Manchester United, and Real Madrid, never expected something like this to happen. In an exclusive interview with [insert publication], he shares his remarkable story and the lessons learned from a life-threatening crisis.

A Sudden and Tragic Turn

Edwin recounts the morning of the incident, July 3, when he woke up feeling unwell, complained of a numbness in his neck, and shortly after, vomited and became disoriented. Realizing something was seriously amiss, he called the hotel doctor, who administered immediate medical attention and had him rushed to the nearby hospital. Unbeknownst to Edwin, his wife, Annemarie, also suffered a similar brain hemorrhage, only a few days earlier while in the same hotel. The couple, who both have experience with brain injuries, recognized the signs, and their training kicked in, allowing them to request medical assistance without delay.

A World of Football Unites

Edwin’s condition garnered widespread international attention, with the entire football community sending messages of support and concern. When he finally retrieved his phone after two weeks in various hospitals, he was amazed by the sheer volume of messages and outpouring of well-wishes from the football fraternity. Edwin humbly downplayed the attention, focusing instead on his family, treatment, and rehabilitation.

A Long Road to Recovery

The brain hemorrhage left Edwin’s body somewhat shaken, but he fortunately made a rapid recovery compared to others. The immediate focus was on his own health, which took weeks to stabilize. After receiving treatment in Croatia, Hungary, and finally, Holland, Edwin underwent a month-long rehabilitation program to relearn basic skills, restore his balance, and adapt to his new physical capabilities.

Life Lessons

The experience forced Edwin to reevaluate his priorities and perspective on life. Without the pressure of his hectic football career, he slowed down, cherished his loved ones, and appreciated every moment. Resigning from his CEO position at Ajax in May, three weeks before his ordeal, Edwin now finds himself drawn to new opportunities, despite his initial reluctance. Speaking candidly about his possible future in football, Edwin hinted at possibly returning to the sport in some capacity, citing his love for the game and his confidence that his experience has equipped him with valuable life skills to tackle new challenges.

In conclusion, Edwin van der Sar’s heartwarming story serves as a beacon of hope for those afflicted by unexpected setbacks. It also highlights the importance of prioritizing personal well-being, embracing resilience, and never underestimating life’s unpredictable twists and turns.

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