July 08, 2023 at 12:36AM
Edwin van der Sar, the former Manchester United goalkeeper and Netherlands international, has been admitted to intensive care due to bleeding around his brain. This distressing news has sent shockwaves throughout the footballing community, with fans and fellow players expressing their concern and well wishes for the Dutch football legend. Van der Sar, who enjoyed a decorated career, both domestically and internationally, has left an indelible mark on the sport.
During his illustrious playing career, Edwin van der Sar achieved remarkable success at multiple levels. His time at Manchester United, where he played as the first-choice goalkeeper from 2005 to 2011, saw him lift four Premier League titles and the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy in 2008. Notably, he made crucial saves during the penalty shoot-out against Chelsea in the final, securing United’s third European triumph.
Furthermore, prior to his tenure at Manchester United, van der Sar gained prominence at Ajax, the club where he first burst onto the scene. His exceptional performances between the posts helped Ajax clinch the UEFA Champions League title back in 1995, a moment of immense pride for him and the club. Van der Sar’s remarkable career is a testament to his unwavering dedication, incredible reflexes, and exceptional goalkeeping abilities.
After hanging up his boots, van der Sar returned to his beloved Ajax in 2012, this time off the field. Initially assuming a marketing role, his passion for the club and his incredible leadership qualities quickly propelled him to the position of chief executive in 2016. Under his guidance, Ajax experienced a renaissance and reclaimed their glory days by reaching the UEFA Europa League final in 2017.
However, in a yet unforeseen turn of events, van der Sar announced his resignation as chief executive in May of this year. Despite officially transferring his responsibilities to his colleagues on June 1st, the Ajax board requested van der Sar to remain in his position until August 1st to ensure a smooth transition. Little did anyone anticipate that this already challenging period would be further marred by the news of his hospitalization.
European News Global 