Football legend Greaves in hospital after stroke

Former Tottenham and England striker Jimmy Greaves faces a "long, slow road to recovery" after suffering a severe stroke, his wife has said.

Greaves, 75, was rushed to hospital on Sunday and remains in intensive care.

In a statement, his wife Irene said he was aware of the seriousness of the stroke he suffered.

She said: "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."

England footballing legend Jimmy Greaves is in intensive care in Essex following a severe stroke.

A statement from Greaves' family confirmed the 75-year-old had been taken ill on Sunday. His wife Irene and four children are with him at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, where his condition is said to be stable.

The former Spurs star suffered a minor stroke in 2012, but appeared to have made a full recovery. He was due to be inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame on May 13.

Greaves, who also played for Chelmsford City and Brentwood, is fourth on the list of all-time England scorers and was part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad.