Sir Alex Ferguson, the former manager of English club Manchester United, spoke about the severe health crisis he faced in 2018 and his subsequent return to attend a match at "Old Trafford" stadium.
The legendary Manchester United manager, aged 84, suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2018 that nearly claimed his life, with his chances of survival not exceeding 20%.
As he had repeatedly done throughout his illustrious career, Ferguson defied the odds and returned to his beloved stadium in September of the same year to attend a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, documenting the behind-the-scenes details of that visit in his new book "My Life's Matches".
Ferguson on his return to Old Trafford: I was terrified
In statements to BBC Radio regarding the day of his return, Ferguson said: "I was terrified. I wish I could say I was comfortable, but I wasn't. I didn't feel at ease."
He continued: "I didn't know what the reaction would be. You go there, the manager is announced, and then comes the loud applause. The situation was extremely moving and emotionally stirring."
He added: "My wife was with me and she was on the verge of tears. She sat down and said: 'What a wonderful thing. It’s amazing.' One of the things that caught my attention was the support and appreciation for the period I spent there."
Ferguson managed the club for 26 seasons and led the team in more than 1,000 league matches alone.
During that time, he cemented his status as one of the best managers in the history of English football, winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League titles.
Former Manchester United manager reveals details of his recovery
Despite the long and arduous recovery journey following the hemorrhage, which caused him to collapse unconscious at home before being rushed to hospital, he confirms that he is now in better health.
He completed his remarks saying: "I feel very well, despite some minor injuries. It was a long recovery period; I wasn't allowed to travel or have certain drinks. I always remember when my grandson came to visit me, as I had lost my voice and couldn't speak."
He explained: "They brought in a therapist, and she started asking me to perform tasks like writing names of birds, animals, rivers... In this way, I regained my voice."
He concluded: "When I am unable to speak, I must feel fear. That was a frightening moment."
