Neville Southall, a Premier League icon, has received widespread support from the footballing world after sharing a health update on social media. The 67-year-old, who played for Everton, Bury and Torquay United during a career spanning three decades, made the announcement on Sunday morning.
Posting on social media, he wrote: "Won't be on here for a bit not well." His message was met with an outpouring of support from the football community, with many sending their well-wishes to the Welsh icon.
Messages of Support
Wales fan group The Barry Horns posted: "We love you Nev." Ex-Wales team-mate Iwan Roberts chimed in with: "Bless you Nev get better soon big man." Journalist Daniel Storey added: "Keep well Nev, look after yourself x." BBC colleague Marc Webber said: "Get well soon, fella." Southall's post quickly garnered almost 1,000 comments within just a few hours.
Career Highlights
The Llandudno-born star earned 92 caps for Wales and was once hailed as the finest goalkeeper of his generation before hanging up his gloves in 2002. He also clocked up over 500 league appearances for Everton, remaining at Goodison Park from 1981 to 1998. After a stint at Bury, he went on to play for Stoke City and Bradford City among others, ending his career at Dagenham and Redbridge.
Recent Health Concerns
Since retiring, Southall has been a vocal advocate for mental health and LGBT rights, although his own health has been a cause for concern in recent years. Southall was hospitalised last summer following an infection, which left him on a drip: "Not talking a break from here in hospital with a couple of drips due to bad infection sorry any I was supposed to meet and work for this weekend."
