Chelsea legend Paul Canoville recovering in hospital after ‘life-saving operation’
Canners has endured plenty of obstacles during his life ranging from battling drug addictions to beating cancer
CHELSEA legend Paul Canoville is in hospital recovering from an operation "which could have claimed his life."
The 55-year-old has a history of battling drug addictions and beating cancer.
Canners, who was Chelsea's first ever black player when he made his debut in 1981, released a statement on Twitter revealing his current health.
It is not known why Canoville is currently being treated.
In a statement posted online it read: "I visited Paul in the hospital today and showed him all your messages on my phone which cheered him up big time.
"Paul would like to thank you all for your messages posted on his Facebook and Twitter.
"Paul went through a very serious operation which could have claimed his life, and there were complications which will mean a lengthy stay in hospital.
"Paul is there trying to get his health in order to cope with adjustments he will have to make in his life."
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It is fair to say Canoville has faced many obstacles in his life.
In 1995 he had to witness the crushing loss of his baby son who sadly died in his arms.
Canoville has been to rehab twice after getting addicted to crack cocaine and battled cancer on two occasions.
By March 2005 he was both cancer and drug free and three years later released an award winning autobiography called Black & Blue.
As a footballer he suffered horrific racial abuse by his own fans, especially on his debut, but won the Football League Second Division title in 1984.
You can donate to Canoville's recovery by clicking here