FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED striker Andy Cole has revealed he suffered kidney failure earlier this year.

The 44-year-old, who won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League in his six years at Old Trafford, released an official statement earlier today to explain why he won’t be featuring in David Beckham’s Unicef Match for Children on November 14th.

Cole detailed how his kidney failure was caused by him having contracted an ‘airborne virus’ and that he continues to be under medical care.

“I was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with a condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. I spent close to three weeks in hospital under expert medical care, undergoing a kidney biopsy, temporary haemodialysis (dialysis) as well as plasmapheresis treatment. During this time I have been unable to work or carry out my normal day to day activities and I am under close supervision from the renal team at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. I am on a course of medication including some very strong steroids which has led to a change in my appearance.”

The attacker – who scored 121 goals for United in 275 appearances – added that doctors expect him to make a full recovery by next spring.

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