Former Liverpool defender Rigobert Song has been hospitalised in his home country of Cameroon after suffering a stroke on Sunday that has left him in critical condition and "fighting for his life."
That's according to Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo, who reported the 40-year-old had a brain aneurysm.
L'Equipe (h/t Ian Holyman of ESPN FC) added that he "fell ill at his home in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde" and was subsequently taken to hospital. On Tuesday, he came out of his coma and will be flying to France to be transferred for more treatment, via BBC Sport.
Song played 35 times for the Reds and had 137 caps for his countryβwith whom he won Olympic gold and appeared at four World Cupsβduring his playing career.
A number of former players and Liverpool team-mates, including the likes of Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher and Patrik Berger, sent messages of support:
Robbie Fowler @Robbie9FowlerThoughts with #RigobertSong and family... Hope he pulls through
Jamie Carragher @Carra23Hope everything ends up ok for #rigobertsong
PB @patrikberger73Just got the news that Rigobert Song is fighting for his life after having a stroke...get well soon buddy #YNWA
David Thompson @77thomoGet well soon Rigobert Song one of the funniest,nicest,happiest men you could ever meet.π #songyβ¦ https://t.co/nwZSN0k9WY
Stan Collymore @StanCollymoreHope Rigobert Song recovers quickly. Peace and love to his family. π¨π²π¨π²π¨π²π¨π²π¨π²π¨π² #YNWA
So too did compatriot and former international team-mate Samuel Eto'o, who, according to Holyman, wrote on Twitter: "I wish you a lot of courage and to get well soon, big bro."
Liverpool and Galatasaray, another of his former clubs, also sent well wishes:
Liverpool FC @LFCOur thoughts are with Rigobert Song and his family at this time. https://t.co/wIzoxrg8U3
21x Turkish Champions π @GalatasarayWe want to send our prayers and good wishes to Rigobert Song who is currently in intensive care. Our hearts are with you, lion! https://t.co/QTAdYgP9gp
After leaving Liverpool, the former Metz defender went on to have spells with the likes of West Ham United, Lens and Galatasaray before hanging up his boots with Trabzonspor in 2010. Song has been head coach of Chad's national team since last year.
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