Man United legend Edwin van der Sar set for football return 16 months after health scare
Manchester United's former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar suffered a brain haemorrhage in July 2023 while on a holiday with family - and he's back playing football.
Manchester United great Edwin van der Sar is making a welcome return to football this weekend 16 months after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Van der Sar was rushed into intensive care in July 2023 while on holiday in Croatia with the football world uniting to support his family and send their well-wishes. Fortunately, the Dutchman was able to make a full recovery, and he returned to Old Trafford on Boxing Day last year when Erik ten Hag's then-team faced Aston Villa.
The iconic goalkeeper has since been keeping his fitness levels up and has been leading a fulfilling life away from football. Van der Sar stepped away from his role as CEO of Ajax last year, but will be returning to Amsterdam this weekend as a player - getting his gloves and boots at the ready.
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On Sunday, a team made up of Ajax legends will take on their counterparts from Real Madrid - as they continue their 125-year anniversary celebrations. All proceeds from the fixture will go towards the Ajax Foundation.
Ex-United manager Louis van Gaal will be in the dugout for Ajax, while former United defender Daley Blind joins Van der Sar in the Amsterdam club's line-up. The 54-year-old is clearly looking forward to his return between the sticks for Ajax and shared that with his followers on Instagram.
Sharing a picture from training, he wrote: "Last session done before the Ajax Legends match this Sunday vs Real Madrid. Anyone else looking forward to the game?"
During his time in Manchester, Van der Sar won four Premier League titles, in addition to the Champions League, the Club World Cup, two League Cups and three Community Shields, while he ended his time at Old Trafford with 266 appearances to his name.