Cole On Road To Recovery

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole is focused on his road to recovery after suffering kidney failure during the summer.

The 44-year-old was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and has been treated at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. After being forced to withdraw from the UNICEF charity match at Old Trafford recently and issuing a statement explaining his absence, the Reds legend was a guest on MUTV's Countdown to Kick-Off.

"I just try to enjoy life as much as possible," Cole told MUTV. "By getting ill, I've been very unfortunate, but I'm getting on with it the best I can. I'll try to get over it as quickly as possible.

"I think there were a lot of questions beforehand about my appearance and how it's changed. I had a kidney problem diagnosed five or six months ago and it was disappointing to miss playing in the UNICEF game due to that. But everyone has been really good and positive about me regarding my kidney problem and I'll get there in the end."

The recovery continues for Cole, who has always kept himself in fine shape after retiring from football, and he accepts it is a difficult process.

"Not being able to do what I want and not being able to keep fit has been the toughest thing, I think," he reflected. "When you're fit, you take things for granted, like getting up in the morning and going for a run, stuff like that. I realise I can't do that anymore and it could be like that for the next four or five months.

"Fingers crossed, come spring or summer [I'll be okay], but I've got a long way to go. I know it's going to be a tough battle but I know I'll get there."

Credit: manutd.com