Ian Rush Reflects on Health Scare After Collapsing at Home
Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush revealed that he feared for his life after collapsing at home earlier this month. The 64-year-old football legend was admitted to the Countess of Chester Hospital on December 11, where he spent 48 hours in intensive care due to a severe case of influenza.
"I did think the worst and thought this could be it. I couldn't breathe," Rush told BBC Sport. "It was very difficult, and I’m fortunate the NHS helped me; there were a couple of times where I thought I may not be here [for much longer]. But I'm feeling stronger and much better now."
Rush's partner, Carol, called for an ambulance in the early hours of the morning as his breathing difficulties worsened. Although the situation improved after paramedics arrived, Rush opted to remain at home. However, he collapsed just ten minutes after the paramedics left, prompting another call for an ambulance.
"It was a terrifying experience. I thought it was the end because I couldn't breathe and I went into a panic attack. Carol was brilliant. She helped me with my breathing, which gave me more time as we waited for the ambulance to come," he recounted.
After spending five days in the hospital, Rush admitted he began preparing for the worst in case he did not survive. Since his recovery, he has committed to doing breathing exercises three times a day. "It's given me a big kick," he stated, speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai.
Rush plans to make some changes by 2026 to ensure that everything is in order for his loved ones. "The doctors told me the sun will do you a world of good, and I'm allowed to fly, so I’m here. Liverpool Football Club has been very supportive, letting me take as much time off as I need. That’s when you know it’s a big family club," he added.
Following his health scare, Rush has received an outpouring of support from the football community. Recently, he spent an evening with football legends including Brazil's Ronaldo and former Italy forwards Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio.
"It’s little things like seeing Baggio, who lived in the same house that I was in when I was at Juventus, and that goes a long way," Rush said. "And it gives me the energy to keep going. Some of these legends have won World Cups, and I know I haven’t, but I can look back and say that I was good and that I am Liverpool's record goalscorer. That makes me feel proud."
With a remarkable total of 346 goals for Liverpool, Rush remains the club's all-time top scorer, significantly ahead of Roger Hunt (285) and Mohamed Salah (250).