Arsenal great Tony Adams has undergone heart surgery in Azerbaijan which, according to the former centre-back, has saved his life.
The ex-defender has released a statement in which he explains his recent health scare: “After feeling some acute chest pain whilst exercising in Azerbaijan, and liaising with Gabala Club doctors, I went to The Medical Plaza Hospital in Baku where I was admitted for an angiogram, and then following diagnosis of a severely blocked vein, an immediate angioplasty,” the former club captain began.
“The brilliant surgeons at the Medical Plaza did a fantastic job – as has been reiterated to me by my cardiologist in the UK.
“I know full well that without the brilliance of Dr Uzeyir Rahimov and his team I would not be alive now: a minor heart operation saved my life.
“I can’t begin to thank Tale Heydarov and all at Gabala Football Club, as well as the Cardiac Unit at the Medical Plaza Baku enough.
“I would just like to say that if you, like me, have a history of heart disease in your family and you feel chest pains, get yourself to the doctor’s now.”
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Adams is in Azerbaijan after moving to the country to manage local side Gabala before becoming the club’s director of football—a role he still holds.
The defender is a club legend at Arsenal, where he made 669 appearances. He subsequently went into management at Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth.
The Romford-born star, 49, represented the Gunners for 19 years, 14 of which were spent as club captain.
He was the ultimate one-club man and won a serious of honours—domestic and continental—during his time with the North London giants.