Former Manchester United and Newcastle striker Andy Cole has spoken candidly about the ongoing struggle he faces following his life-saving kidney transplant in 2017. The 47-year-old described the 'torture' and 'internal battle' that has deepened his depression, even leading him to consider suicide.
Cole fell seriously ill in 2015 after contracting a virus on a trip to Vietnam. His kidney function dropped to 7% of normal capacity before he received a transplant from his nephew, Alexander Palmer, in April 2017. Despite the surgical success, Cole says the emotional and physical toll remains severe: 'No two days are the same and the medication means you’re up and down.'
The former striker admits he has pushed his family away, particularly his wife Shirley. 'I apologise now to everybody for being the way I’ve been,' he said. 'What I was doing, torturing myself over an illness, is horrible.' He noted that the anti-rejection medication is a constant reminder of his condition, acknowledging that his new kidney could fail at any time.
Cole has also been involved in campaigning for changes to organ donation laws, speaking in parliament about the need for an opt-out system. Despite his challenges, he remains grateful: 'The fantastic thing is you can live another day.'
