Former Rangers defender Connor Goldson has revealed he expects to return to action for Apollon Limassol in seven weeks, after undergoing a second major heart operation that he feared would end his career.
The 33-year-old, who left Ibrox two years ago and now plays in Cyprus, had surgery after a routine health check flagged the same issue that was detected when he was at Brighton nine years earlier. He was reassured by London-based cardiac specialist Ulrich Rosendahl at the Royal Brompton Hospital.
Trauma of second operation
Goldson detailed his ordeal on talkSPORT, where he was interviewed by Rangers icon Ally McCoist and Celtic fan Alan Brazil. He said the operation was a whirlwind and that he had not yet processed it. He explained that the first operation in 2017 was due to a swollen aortic root, which was dangerously large. For nine years, the size had not changed, but this year in Cyprus, during a routine check for a health ID card, measurements had gone up.
After a second specialist confirmed the increase, Goldson returned to England to see his surgeon, who said he needed another operation. The surgeon assured him he would play football again and arranged the operation within 10 days. Goldson spent a week in Cyprus with his family before returning to London for surgery.
Recovery on track
Goldson said his recovery is going well. He is back on the pitch and training one-to-one with a fitness coach, but cannot have contact because his chest bone is broken in half. He spent 24 hours in intensive care, another 24 hours in a high dependency unit, and was in his own room on the third day.
He recalled that the first two people he spoke to in Cyprus told him to forget football and focus on his family. But his surgeon was confident, saying he was the best in the world at these operations and that in 12 weeks Goldson would be fit. The surgeon said people come to England for heart operations because he is the best, and advised Goldson to exercise and play football after the bone healed.
Rangers ribbing
Goldson is five weeks into recovery and aims to be fit in another seven weeks. He said the heart is fine and he received the all-clear from his surgeon 10 days ago. Brazil lightened the mood by ribbing Goldson about Rangers' tough start to the season, to which Goldson responded that the team has a new squad every year and needs time to gel. Brazil joked that at least Goldson is in Europe, and McCoist said he has to put up with Brazil every day.
