Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has revealed he suffered kidney failure last summer and might not fully recover until the spring.
Cole was due to appear in a charity game for Unicef, organised by his former United team-mate David Beckham, which will be held at Old Trafford on Nov 14.
But Cole has confirmed he will not be playing after being diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disorder which affects the levels of protein in the body.
In a statement released through United, he said: "In June of this year I suffered kidney failure, caused as a result of contracting an airborne virus and I have been under medical care ever since. I was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with a condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.
"I spent close to three weeks in hospital under expert medical care, undergoing a kidney biopsy, temporary haemodialysis (dialysis) as well as plasmapheresis treatment.
"During this time I have been unable to work or to carry out my normal day to day activities and I am under close supervision from the renal team at the Manchester Royal Infirmary."
One of the side-effects of the condition - which also affected NBA basketball players Sean Elliott and Alonzo Mourning and the actor Gary Coleman - is weight gain, a point made by Cole in his statement.
"I am on a course of medication including some very strong steroids which has led to the change in my appearance.
"I would like to thank Dr Mike Picton PhD, FRCP consultant Nephorologist and his team at Manchester Royal Infirmary who have done a brilliant job in caring for me and who continue to aid my recovery. I would also like to thank my wife and two children for their continued strength and support.
"Together we have been through some dark days. However, the good news is that I am feeling better as each day passes and the consultant is hopeful that I will make a full recovery by next spring.
"The messages of support from the fans have been gratefully received and wherever possible, I will continue my role as Manchester United Ambassador and would like to thank the Club for their continued support during this time."
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