Edwin van der Sar ’s wife has confirmed that the Dutch icon is “not in life threatening danger” in a recent update.
The former Manchester United and Ajax goalkeeper was rushed to intensive care last week after suffering a bleed on his brain while on holiday. Tributes and well-wishes from his ex-employers and supporters then started to pour in, all hoping for more positive news following treatment.
The 52-year-old’s wife Annemarie van Kesteren has offered an update on his condition and while Van der Sar remains hospitalised, there is a slightly more positive outlook. In a statement released by Ajax, she said: "Edwin is still in the intensive care unit, but is stable.
"Every time we get to visit him, he's communicative. We have to wait patiently to see how his situation will develop. He is not in life-threatening danger."
Van Kesteren’s statement is the second update in the past 24 hours regarding Van der Sar’s condition. Rob Jansen, the ex-stopper’s long-time representative, has also opened up on the situation currently facing his client.
Speaking on the KieftJansenEgmondGijp podcast, via the Dutch publication VI.nl, he said: "Of course things are not going well. But not good and good. That's what it's called under control.
Submit your well-wishes for Edwin van der Sar using the comments section
"You have to protect the family in this. He's in good hands. Annemarie [his wife] is there with her son. There is continuous contact from the Netherlands about how to proceed."
"He needs to rest very well,” Jansen added. "We are confident that this will work out, but it is not small. A brain haemorrhage is very serious. She (Annemarie) had it herself in 2009. She recognises a lot of what happened to her then."
Van der Sar and his wife have been married since 2006 and have two children together. She suffered a suspected bleed on the brain whilst the goalkeeper was a Man United player with then boss Sir Alex Ferguson giving him leave.
Speaking at the time, he said: "Annemarie van Kesteren had a problem over in Holland a week ago and has been admitted to hospital. That is the best place for her to be. They have examined her twice and are trying to get to the root of it.
"I have told Edwin to stay over there. There is no point in him being here. The best thing is for him to be with Annemarie."
She fortunately was able to make a full recovery and has not suffered from any lasting effects.
Away from Man Utd and Ajax, Van der Sar also represented Fulham and Juventus throughout his playing career. He returned to Amsterdam as he became Ajax’s CEO, a role he held until very recently.
Mirror Football is now on Threads! You can follow us here
