About eight years ago, football briefly became very unimportant to Edwin van der Sar.
Two days before Christmas Eve 2009, Annemarie van Kesteren, wife of Edwin van der Sar, was admitted to hospital after collapsing. The initial reports that came through were that she was ‘very poorly’ and had suffered a suspected brain haemorrhage.
At the time, Manchester United were attempting to defend their Premier League throne. Although van der Sar was injured in November, he was a vital cog in the machine. They wanted him back as soon as possible, but Alex Ferguson knew exactly where the Dutchman needed to be. The then-United boss didn’t hesitate to grant his shot-stopper indefinite compassionate leave. There was absolutely no pressure to return (quotes via the Guardian).
“Annemarie had a problem when they were over in Holland about a week ago. She was admitted to hospital and that’s the best place to be until they examine her thoroughly to get to the root of it. I’ve told Edwin just to stay there; there’s no point in him being over here. He’s in the right place beside his wife and hopefully she’ll make a good recovery.”
As you will have already heard by now, Ferguson underwent emergency surgery on a brain haemorrhage on Friday. A statement from Manchester United confirmed that the operation had gone well, but he requires a ‘period of intensive care to optimise his recovery.’
Once the news broke, the well-wishes came flooding in for the United legend. Among those sending messages was van der Saar. His tweet was very significant in that it was also signed off by his wife, Annemarie, who made a full recovery from the brain haemorrhage with no long-term effects.
Devasted about the news about Sir Alex and knowing all to well about the situation ourselves. Stay strong and hope together with everyone you recover. Edwin & Annemarie pic.twitter.com/aaxqRI9Bg7
— Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) May 5, 2018
Keep fighting, Fergie. Everyone’s pulling for you.
