Rangers defender Connor Goldson has opened up on the worrying medical problems he had while playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, as reported by The Evening Times.
Speaking out in support of charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, the Gers stand-out gave an emotional account of when a doctor diagnosed him with a enlarged aorta heart valve back in 2017, which eventually required preventative surgery.
As quoted by The Evening Times, the 26-year-old said:
My dad had a heart attack when he was in his late 30s and his dad died of a heart attack as well. I was always wary of it and whether there might be something with me.
As a footballer you never think it’s going to happen to you. You’re working daily from the age of 16 when you leave school, training and playing matches then something like that comes along.
It was emotional. It was me and the doctor there and we went to see the specialist and I just remember I broke down in front of him.
There’s not many people who’ve seen me emotional and it was hard because you don’t want to show that side to someone you don’t really know so well. I just remember being in the back of his car in tears.
I was in pieces not knowing if I would play again. I saw him a few days later and he told me point blank ‘you’ll play football again’.
Goldson went on to make a full recovery and doesn’t require medication for his condition, but does have an annual check-up to make sure things are alright.
He’s become a fan favourite since signing for Rangers last summer and appears to relish every moment on the pitch wearing the famous blue jersey.
For him to bravely speak out about his experiences may help others to check out any heart or chest problems with their doctors.
The defender added to his initial comments: “It will always take something for a human to then go and act on it, but if you can take a little bit of time out of your day to get yourself tested and make sure you’re OK it can only benefit yourself and your family.”
Wise words indeed.