AG百家乐在线官网

Edwin van der Sar: Former Manchester United star out of intensive care after suffering bleeding around the brain

The former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper announced on social media on Tuesday evening he had been released from an intensive care unit.

Pic: Edwin van der Sar
Image: Edwin van der Sar in hospital with his wife Annemarie van Kesteren
Why you can trust Sky News

Footballer Edwin van der Sar has said he is now out of intensive care - in what was his first direct communication with fans since suffering bleeding around the brain.

Previously his wife Annemarie van Kesteren and his former football club Ajax had given updates on his condition.

The ex-Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper announced on social media on Tuesday evening he had been released from an intensive care unit.

He added he was still in the Dutch hospital where he has been treated.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar watches the ball go past him as Chelsea's Michael Ballack (unseen) scores from the penalty spot during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London April 26, 2008. REUTERS/ Eddie Keogh (BRITAIN). FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO

Van der Sar also said he hoped to return home next week in "the next step in my recovery".

In posts on Twitter and Instagram, he included a photograph of himself sitting up in a hospital bed with his arm around his wife.

The 52-year-old wrote on Twitter: "I'm happy to share that I'm no longer in the intensive care unit. However, I'm still in hospital. I hope to go home next week and take the next step in my recovery!"

More on Manchester United

On his Instagram post, he wrote the same message and also thanked all the fans who sent him messages of support.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

He was taken to hospital in Split on 7 July after suffering bleeding around the brain while on holiday in Croatia, before he was moved to a hospital back in his homeland.

During his career, he played for Ajax, Juventus and Manchester United, and made 130 appearances for the Netherlands.

He won the Champions League at both Ajax and United, including the latter in 2008 after a penalty shootout.

Football - Chelsea v Manchester United 2008 Champions League Final - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - 07/08 - 21/5/08 Manchester United's Edwin Van der Sar celebrates with the trophy Mandatory Credit: Action Images / John Sibley

Van der Sar, who retired from playing in 2011, was Ajax director general until he stepped down at the end of last season, saying he was exhausted after more than a decade on the club's board.