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Football

02nd Apr 2018

Alan Brazil opens up about devastation of seeing Ray Wilkins fight for his life

He said he 'was never 100%' after heart sugery

Reuben Pinder

All of football wishes him a full recovery

talkSPORT host Alan Brazil is ‘devastated’ by the sad news of Ray Wilkins being taken ill and fighting for his life.

Wilkins suffered a cardiac arrest and a fall at his home on last week before being taken to hospital. The former Chelsea and Manchester United winger was placed in an induced coma and remains ‘critically ill’.

The 61-year-old has been a regular guest on Alan Brazil’s Sports Breakfast show and was on air only 24 hours before he fell ill.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Alan Brazil opened up about Wilkins’ sad situation: ““Ray is one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet and working with him on the show is always a joy”, Brazil said.

“I’m devastated to hear that he’s so unwell. I work with him every Tuesday and just love him to death.

“He’s just a fantastic guy. I’m just praying and hoping that he can pull through.”

“Only a few months ago Ray went into hospital for a double bypass”, Brazil added.

“Afterwards he said he felt a lot better. But then he had few little complications like bad chest infections. He was never 100 per cent.

“But there was never a time when I thought anything like this would happen to him.

“Ray is such a lovely guy and you could never meet anyone nicer in football. He’s a real gentleman.”

Wilkins was taken to St. George’s Hospital in Tooting, London on Friday night. His son Ross said it was unclear whether he would pull through, and his wife Jackie confirmed: “He’s not in a good state at all, I’m afraid. He’s critically ill. It’s very, very bad.”

Well wishes for Wilkins have been pouring in from all around the sports media. Sky Sports News presenter Jim White said: “My heart goes out to Ray Wilkins – a true football legend with a unique personality and sense of humour.”