Sad news over night. Chelsea`s former midfielder Ray Wilkins, 61, has suffered a heart attack and is in hospital.
The cardiac arrest which happened at his Cobham home, preceded a fall that has resulted in Ray being put in an induced coma. His wife Jackie spoke briefly with the Daily Mirror,
“He`s in hospital, he`s had a cardiac arrest and is in intensive care. He is not in a good state at all, I`m afraid. He`s critically ill. The cardiac arrest led to a fall which has meant he`s had to be put in an induced coma. It`s very, very bad.”
Wilkins, nicknamed Butch, throughout his Chelsea career, was synonymous with Chelsea Football Club. He captained, coached and even managed the team. Having left Chelsea during Carlo Ancelotti`s reign as manager, he turned his attentions to working in the media world. He`s often heard on Talksport, Sky Sports and the BBC.
In fact he had co-hosted the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show just hours before being rushed to hospital on Wednesday. When asked of his well-being by one of the shows guest`s, he used a phrase he`s used many times before, saying he was ‘dangerously well`, very poignant now.
Friends and colleagues have used social media to express their concern and best wishes,
We can confirm that Ray Wilkins is currently being treated at St George`s Hospital, and his condition is critical. His family have asked for privacy at this time, and we are tweeting this update with their agreement.
? St George’s NHS FT (@StGeorgesTrust) March 30, 2018
The thoughts of everybody at Chelsea Football Club are with Ray Wilkins and his family tonight. Keep fighting Ray, you have our love and support. pic.twitter.com/egOapZhDYN
? Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 30, 2018
Ray Wilkins is one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet and working with him on the show is always a joy.
Keep fighting, Butch.
From Alan & everyone at @talkSPORT. pic.twitter.com/EV2q0WhFBw
? The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast (@SportsBreakfast) March 30, 2018
Just found out about the news, be strong Ray Wilkins and family. We blue army are sending you? https://t.co/B72y5SCJPj
? Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) March 30, 2018
I want to add my thoughts and prayers to the army of people wishing Ray Wilkins well. I have known Ray for many years and he is without doubt one of the politest people I know, always willing to give his time and share he s vast knowledge of Football, please get better Ray pic.twitter.com/Frms9MckiZ
? Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) March 31, 2018
My thoughts are with #RayWilkins and his family…
Get well soon 🙏🙏 …📸: imago/Sportimage pic.twitter.com/rXKhYvKlSz
? Michael Ballack (@Ballack) March 31, 2018
There`s an infinite number of similar tweets from across the world of football, for a Chelsea man who is clearly well-loved. At Vital Chelsea, we can only add to those best wishes, and pray that Ray is able to make a full recovery. Keep fighting, Ray.