Former Scotland soccer player Alan Brazil says he is fortunate to be alive after undergoing a liver transplant that included a frightening complication during surgery.
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The 66-year-old former soccer star and longtime broadcaster recently revealed that his heart briefly stopped during the procedure before restarting on its own.
Speaking on Talksport (via BBC), Brazil said doctors determined he needed a liver transplant after extensive medical evaluations and consultations with specialists.
According to Brazil, he received a call from Addenbrooke's Hospital shortly after finishing a radio show and was told to come in immediately.
Hours later, he was undergoing surgery.
"They transplanted my liver," Brazil said. "My heart did stop for a bit and it came back on its own."
The former striker acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
"I'll be frank, I'm very, very lucky to be here," he said.
Brazil enjoyed a successful playing career that included stops with Ipswich Town, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. He scored 80 goals in 210 appearances for Ipswich and also earned international caps for Scotland.
Following his retirement from soccer, Brazil became one of the most recognizable voices in British sports broadcasting through his work with Talksport.
Despite the ordeal, he said he is continuing to recover and hopes to return to work in the coming weeks.
"I am on the mend," Brazil said. "Still not there, but I am getting there."
Brazil also expressed gratitude to the medical staff who treated him, crediting the team at Addenbrooke's Hospital with saving his life.
For now, fans of both soccer and sports radio will be encouraged by the positive update as the former Scotland forward continues his recovery.
