STUART Pearce has opened up about his health battle after falling ill on during a transatlantic flight.
The former England ace turned pundit was discharged by doctors in Canada after an eight-day stay and is planning his homecoming.
Stuart Pearce on talkSPORT this afternoon
The SunPearce is in good spirits after he suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ft[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationThe Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in Canada[/caption]
The father-of-two, 62, appeared on talkSPORT today as he continues his recovery.
Speaking to Jim White and Simon Jordan at midday, he said: “I feel brilliant in myself and have done since probably mid last week to be quite honest with you.
“I’m in really good hands. The people in the hospital have been magnificent.”
Fans had been rooting for the hardman defender, nicknamed Psycho, since we told how he became ill during a Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow.
The father-of-two, 62, was hooked up to a monitor as he began sweating profusely and struggling with acute pain on Flight VS156.
First aiders treated Pearce whose partner watched helplessly as the drama unfolded.
The decision was made to divert the flight to St John’s on Newfoundland where the star was helped off the plane.
The former full-back, who played for Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Man City, received 24/7 care.
During Saturday’s Premier League game between Forest and City, supporters stood for a round of applause in the third minute. Pearce wore the number ‘3’.
Sam Matterface, a talkSPORT colleague, told listeners: “I spoke to him yesterday and he was in great spirits.
“He isn’t 100 per cent — that is definitely the case.
“But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.
“He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, ‘I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!’”
Pearce, who won 78 England caps, had been flying home after watching Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in Vegas in the first rugby league Super league match in the US.
A source previously said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.
“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.
“It was very clear the situation was serious.
“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous.
“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”
The remaining 225 passengers were later flown to Heathrow, arriving at 6.15pm on Monday — six hours later than scheduled.
GettyPearce has opened up about his health scare[/caption]
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