Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Onuoha Ikeme has joined the soccer world in abated breath over the state of his former coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Glenn Hoddle, after the icon suffered a severe heart attack at the weekend.
Sports247.ng gathered that Ikeme and other well-wishers remained in sober mood and worried into early Sunday, as Hoddle, who played for Tottenham Hotspur in his heyday then went on to coach England’s senior national team, was said to be in a serious condition in hospital.
Widely considered as one of the best English players of his generation, Hoddle won two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup in 1984 during a 12-season career with Tottenham.
He later moved to Monaco, winning the French title in 1987-88 under future Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger.
Hoddle ended his playing career with two player-manager spells with Swindon Town and Chelsea before being handed the role as England boss.
After a last 16 exit to Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, he lost his job the following year after controversial remarks he made suggesting disabled people were paying the price for sins in past lives in an interview with The Times.
Hoddle went onto manage Southampton, Tottenham and Wolverhampton Wanderers for short spells before opening a football academy and moving into punditry.
A spokesperson for the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and coach confirmed on Sunday that Hoddle collapsed on his 61st birthday on Saturday shortly before he was due to go on air as a pundit.
The spokesperson said: “Glenn remains in a serious condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack yesterday. He continues to respond well to treatment.
“The family are grateful to everyone in the football family – and beyond – that have sent kind messages of support, they are very much appreciated.
“In particular, Glenn and his family would like to publicly thank the BT Sport staff that treated him immediately on set following his collapse.”
Current England manager, Gareth Southgate was among the well wishers for Hoddle, who made 53 outings for the Three Lions as a player before managing his country between 1996 and 1999.
Southgate said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Glenn Hoddle and those closest to him following today’s distressing news.
“Everybody across the game is right behind one of English football’s greats and we are willing him to pull through.”
