Ex-Tottenham and Newcastle star David Ginola 'almost died' before heart surgery
FORMER Premier League footballer David Ginola is recovering after a five-hour quadruple heart bypass operation.
Former Premier League star David Ginola has fallen ill in France
Ginola, 49, famous for his dazzling Premier League performances for sides including Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, has been hospitalised in Monaco since yesterday.
The surgeon who saved his life has revealed that the sports star "almost died".
Professor Gilles Dreyfus said: “He was fortunate to receive a heart massage immediately, and that was essential in preventing brain damage.”
The doctor added: "He almost died but will be able to lead a normal life.”
Following the five-hour operation, Ginola doesn't seem to have neurological after effects and is recovering.
The player will remain in hospital for 10 days to recover from his ordeal.
On Friday, Ginola tweeted: "Hello world, never slept better, I'm fine, just need to rest a bit. Thank you so much all of you for your magnificent support."
Hello world, never slept better. I'm fine, just need to rest a bit. Thank you so much all of you for your magnificent support.
— David Ginola (@teamginola) 20 May 2016
On Thursday, the former football star later tweeted to say he was in hospital having tests done, even adding a little humour.
He said: "Footy match in the midday sun, not very clever. Now having some tests done. Whoever voted for a World Cup in Qatar in the summer?"
David Ginola of Aston Villa in action during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match against Spurs
David Ginola - L'oreal
Reports from France suggest Ginola took part in a golf competition on Thursday afternoon between personalities from the world of sports.
It had been claimed yesterday the Premier League legend suffered a heart attack but those reports were unconfirmed.
The footballer was also signed to Newcastle United for £2.5 million in 1995 and also played for Everton and Aston Villa.
Ginola made his debut against Coventry City on August 19, 1995. That year, he helped the squad finish second, four points behind Manchester United.
Tottenham Hotspur made a popular signing of Ginola in July 1997 for £2.5m.
Two years later he was named PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year, while playing at White Hart Lane.
Footy match in the midday sun, not very clever. Now having some tests done. Whoever voted for a World Cup in Qatar in the summer?
— David Ginola (@teamginola) May 19, 2016
Ginola at the Ledley King testimonial game
20 Nov 1999: David Ginola for Tottenham in action during the FA Carling Premiership match
Gary Linekar has passed on his best wishes on Twitter to the talented sports star.
Wishing @teamginola a full and speedy recovery. See you in Paris next month my friend.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) 20 May 2016
The Frenchman who also played for Paris Saint-Germain appeared for Tottenham Hotspur 100 times, Aston Villa 32 times and made made 58 appearances for Newcastle United.
He only donned the Everton shirt five times and was capped 17 times for France.