Image Text:

DIAGNOSED: Andrew Cole

ANDREW COLE is currently recuperating in hospital after undergoing a kidney transplant in his battle against a serious illness.

The 45 year-old former Manchester United player, underwent surgery at Manchester Royal Infirmary on Thursday as part of his treatment for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, a condition which causes scarring of the kidneys. Doctors are understood to have been pleased with how the planned operation went.

Speaking on behalf of Cole, United released a statement saying: "Andrew and his family would like to thank the club and fans for their support and request that he can continue with his treatment in private and ask that their privacy is respected."

Cole will take an extended break from his role as a United ambassador during the recovery process. He initially suffered kidney failure in June 2015 as a result of contracting an airborne virus.

He spent three weeks in hospital undergoing a kidney biopsy, dialysis and plasmapheresis treatment and has been under the care of Dr Mike Picton, a consultant nephorologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary.