Greaves 'Understands Seriousness' Of His Stroke

Jimmy Greaves is conscious and understands the seriousness of the stroke he suffered, his wife has revealed.

The 75-year-old - England's fourth highest goalscorer ever - remains in intensive care after being admitted to hospital on Sunday.

The severity of the stroke has left him unable to speak and he faces a "long, slow road to recovery".

His wife Irene said in a statement: "Jimmy is having to do what he is told, and understands the seriousness of what has happened to him. It is going to be a long, slow road to recovery and he is in the best possible hands.

"On behalf of Jimmy and our family, we would like to thank the many thousands of you who have voiced your support and concern.

"We would greatly appreciate it if the media would allow us privacy for what is going to be a long period of rehabilitation."

Greaves' agent confirmed he was "conscious but unable to speak".

The former Tottenham, Chelsea, AC Milan and West Ham striker suffered a minor stroke in 2012 but appeared to make a complete recovery.

His second stroke came a week before he was due to be inducted into Tottenham's hall of fame at a sell-out ceremony.

Football greats were quick to express their concern after Greaves was taken ill.

Gary Lineker, two places above Greaves in England's scoring charts, said: "Choked to read that Jimmy Greaves has had a severe stroke.

"One of my absolute heroes. Thoughts are with him and his family. Get well, Jimmy."

Sir Geoff Hurst, a teammate of Greaves during the 1966 World Cup, tweeted: "Thinking of my friend and one of our greats this morning, @jimmy--greaves.

"Wishing him all the best and hoping for a speedy recovery."

Greaves scored 44 goals in 57 games for his country

After retiring from the game, he co-hosted the popular Saturday lunchtime TV show Saint and Greavsie alongside former Liverpool forward Ian St John.