Edwin van der Sar is in intensive care after being taken to hospital on Friday afternoon following a bleed on the brain. The former Manchester United goalkeeper is in a stable condition, Ajax have confirmed.
Dutch media reported Van der Sar suffered a cerebral haemorrhage while on holiday in Croatia and is now in hospital in Split. Ajax confirmed the news on Twitter and sent their best wishes to Van der Sar.
Their statement said: "On Friday, Edwin van der Sar has had a bleeding around his brain. He’s currently in hospital in the intensive care unit and is in a stable condition. Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow. Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you."
United tweeted: "Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin."
Fulham, with whom Van der Sar spent four years before joining United, sent a message of support, tweeting: “Everyone at Fulham Football Club wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you.”
It has been reported that Van der Sar, 52, was taken to hospital by helicopter after feeling unwell while on holiday on a Croatian island.
Van der Sar stepped down as chief executive of Ajax on June 1 and cited a desire to relax and do different things as being behind the decision.
“I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things,” he said on Twitter at the end of May. “It doesn’t feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.”
The Dutchman spent six years at United, making 266 appearances, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League. He won 130 caps for the Netherlands and also represented Juventus and Fulham.
