Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole undergoes kidney transplant

The operation, which was undertaken at Manchester Royal Infirmary, comes as part of his treatment for a condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Ben Burrows
Friday 07 April 2017 10:15 BST
Comments
Andy Cole has undergone a kidney transplant operation
Andy Cole has undergone a kidney transplant operation (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has undergone a kidney transplant, the club have confirmed.

The operation, which was undertaken at Manchester Royal Infirmary, comes as part of his treatment for a condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

United confirmed that Cole, 45, will, as a result, take some time out from his role as a club ambassador.

“During his recuperation, Andrew will be taking a break from his role as Manchester United Ambassador,” the club website said in a statement.

“Andrew and his family would like to thank the club and fans for their support. They also request that he can continue with his treatment in private, and ask that their privacy is respected.”

Cole suffered kidney failure in June 2014 as a result of contracting an airborne virus.

One of the side-effects of Cole's condition, which causes scarring of the kidney and impacts on levels of protein in the body, is weight gain.

Speaking in February of last year the former Newcastle forward reflected on the issues he now faced.

"Seeing the change in my body, that has been tough, it wreaks havoc with you. You get comments like, 'Andy Cole's let himself go, who ate all the pies?'," he said.

"I have to take it day by day. I am four months off a year and it has been tough going through this process."

Cole won 15 caps for England and made 275 appearances for Manchester United, where he scored 121 goals and won five league titles as well as the 1999 Champions League.

The striker started his career at Arsenal and also had spells at Bristol City, Blackburn, Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Sunderland, Burnley and Nottingham Forest before retiring in November 2008.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in