Former England star Kieron Dyer undergoes ‘life-changing’ liver transplant
Former England winger Kieron Dyer has been discharged from hospital after undergoing a liver transplant.
The 44-year-old, who retired from football in 2013, was recently diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis - an incurable liver disease.
After a successful procedure at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, the former Newcastle star said he feels 'healthier than ever' and hopes to return to football coaching soon.
Dyer, who earned 33 caps for England, also described the news as 'life-changing' and expressed his gratitude to the hospital's medical staff in an emotional statement.
The Englishman said: "In 2019 I was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition that has no cure. Ever since that day, I knew that I would require a transplant. Three months ago, I was admitted to the Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. A fortnight ago came the life-changing news that I was to be the recipient of a new liver, and would swiftly undergo a transplant. This morning I was discharged from hospital.
"Simply saying ‘thank you’ to the staff at the hospital feels insufficient. They have been extraordinary. Be it the nurses, porters, doctors or consultants, I have been blown away by the quality of care I received. I could not have been in better hands throughout, and my appreciation goes beyond words. I will never forget them.
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"I know that the liver I have been given has come from someone of a similar age to myself and that is truly heart breaking. It is the generosity and kindness of others that gives those in my position a chance, and I will ensure I make the most of it. The gratitude I feel for the position I find myself in, has no bounds and I feel blessed to leave hospital feeling healthier than ever.
"I would like to thank my family who have offered extraordinary support during what has been a very tough period, and whilst there will inevitably be bumps in the road ahead, I return home with my optimistic outlook that I worried would never return.
"Strangely, football has been even more important to me during this time. I have watched more games from my hospital bed in the last three months, than in any other period of my life. I want to thank my hometown club Ipswich Town who have been in regular contact with me, and also Chesterfield, where I am on the coaching staff after joining towards the end of last season. A particular thank you to the manager Paul Cook, who has given me the ability to contribute, even from hospital, where I’ve watched every fixture as the lads have made their way to the top of the National League table.
"In due course I look forward to returning to coaching and media work, but I respectfully ask for privacy for myself and my family at this time as I strive to make what I hope will be a full recovery."
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