Ian Rush has enjoyed a stunning health turnaround since his terrifying stint in hospital, admitting he thought he was going to die. Three months on from the horrific ordeal, Liverpool's record goalscorer is set for a return to his old stomping ground.
The Reds host their annual 'Legends' match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. During the Anfield clash where all the proceeds go directly towards the work of LFC Foundation and Forever Reds, Rush will be in the dugout alongside former team-mate John Aldridge, with Jurgen Klopp assisting Sir Kenny Dalglish.
It's been a remarkable improvement back to full fitness for Rush, who revealed he had "Covid, a superflu and a severe asthma attack" after collapsing at home last December. Discussing his ordeal in an interview with The Telegraph, he divulged just how grave his situation got.
"I thought I was a goner. It was like I was drowning," Rush recently recalled. "I was in a state of panic and Carol, who is a trained lifeguard, kept me breathing, and then the NHS people were brilliant.
"I was telling myself, 'No, I’m not ready to go, I need to keep fighting. This can’t be the end.'" He went on to spend six days in the Countess of Chester Hospital, with two of them spent in intensive care.
Rush added: "When I was recovering the doctors asked me how long I have been suffering from asthma. I told them I didn’t know I did."
Now travelling with his trusty inhaler, he revealed he was told to take in more sun and swim often, as well as being informed his method of breathing was incorrect.
The Welshman continued: "There are so many things you start thinking about that you never did before – all the things you need to have in place if the worst happens but you would usually put it off.
"I was recommended more sunshine and swimming, and was told to learn how to breathe correctly. I didn’t know I had been doing it wrong." Given his legendary status at Liverpool, the club got in touch with their former number nine to aid his recovery.
Rush explained: "Liverpool got in touch while I was ill and said they wanted to do what they could to help. Because they knew warmer weather would aid my recovery, they organised a break in Dubai for four weeks.
"You don’t realise how dangerous cold weather is until you get older. I appreciated everyone’s concern. I’m a lot more comfortable now."
Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking here
