Ian Rush Reflects on Health Scare and Resilience

Ian Rush, the record top scorer for Liverpool with an impressive total of 346 goals, has opened up about a recent health scare that left him feeling close to death. The 64-year-old football legend was hospitalized at the Countess of Chester on December 11 after contracting a severe case of ‘superflu’ and spent 48 hours in intensive care.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Rush recounted, “I did think the worst and thought this could be it. I couldn’t breathe,” in an interview with BBC Sport. He expressed gratitude for the support of the National Health Service, admitting that there were moments when he feared he might not survive. “It was very difficult, but I’m feeling stronger and much better now,” he added.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning when his partner, Carol, called for an ambulance due to his worsening breathing difficulties. Though his condition improved after paramedics arrived, Rush initially chose to remain at home. However, he collapsed again shortly after their departure, prompting a second call for an ambulance. “It was a terrifying experience. I thought it was the end because I couldn’t breathe and I went into a panic attack. Carol was brilliant. She helped me with my breathing, which gave me more time as we waited for the ambulance to come,” he recounted.

After spending five days in the hospital, Rush admitted to preparing for the worst during his stay. He has since committed to performing breathing exercises three times daily. “It’s given me a big kick,” he noted, speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai. Looking ahead to 2026, he mentioned plans to ensure everything is in order should anything happen to him.

As an ambassador for Liverpool Football Club, Rush shared that the club has been incredibly supportive during his recovery, allowing him the necessary time off. “The doctors told me the sun will do you a world of good, and I’m allowed to fly so I’m here. Liverpool Football Club has been very good, and they’ve told me to take as much time off as I need. That’s when you know it’s a big family club,” he said.

Following his health scare, Rush has received an overwhelming number of messages from across the football community. Recently, he spent an evening with football greats such as Brazil’s Ronaldo and former Juventus stars Alessandro del Piero and Roberto Baggio. “It’s little things like seeing Baggio, who lived in the same house I was in at Juventus, that go a long way,” Rush expressed.

He concluded by reflecting on his legacy, acknowledging his status as Liverpool’s top scorer with 346 goals, significantly ahead of Roger Hunt (285) and Mohamed Salah (250). “Some of these legends have won World Cups, and I know I haven’t, but I can look back and say that I was good and that I am Liverpool’s record goalscorer. That makes me feel proud.”