Kieron Dyer has described himself as “blessed” after undergoing a liver translplant.
The former West Ham, Newcastle and England footballer was diagnosed with a chronic liver condition in 2019 that has “no cure”.
In a statement released to National League club Chesterfield’s website, where the 44-year-old is part of the coaching staff, Dyer revealed he was admitted to hospital in Cambridge three months ago before recently hearing he would be the recipient of a new liver.
“This morning I was discharged from hospital,” he wrote.
“Simply saying ‘thank you’ to the staff at the hospital feels insufficient. They have been extraordinary. Be it the nurses, porters, doctors or consultants, I have been blown away by the quality of care I received. I could not have been in better hands throughout, and my appreciation goes beyond words. I will never forget them.
“I know that the liver I have been given has come from someone of a similar age to myself and that is truly heart breaking. It is the generosity and kindness of others that gives those in my position a chance, and I will ensure I make the most of it. The gratitude I feel for the position I find myself in, has no bounds and I feel blessed to leave hospital feeling healthier than ever.
“I would like to thank my family who have offered extraordinary support during what has been a very tough period, and whilst there will inevitably be bumps in the road ahead, I return home with my optimistic outlook that I worried would never return.”
Dyer broke out at Ipswich in the mid-1990s and sealed a move to the Premier League in 1999, where he featured for Newcastle, West Ham and QPR while earning 33 caps for England.
Since retiring in 2014, he has worked for Ipswich and Chesterfield alongside media appearances, which he says he will return to when ready.
“Strangely, football has been even more important to me during this time,” said Dyer.
“I have watched more games from my hospital bed in the last three months, than in any other period of my life. I want to thank my hometown club Ipswich Town who have been in regular contact with me, and also Chesterfield, where I am on the coaching staff after joining towards the end of last season.
“A particular thank you to the manager Paul Cook, who has given me the ability to contribute, even from hospital, where I’ve watched every fixture as the lads have made their way to the top of the National League table.
“In due course I look forward to returning to coaching and media work, but I respectfully ask for privacy for myself and my family at this time as I strive to make what I hope will be a full recovery.”
