Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, has opened up about his life-changing experience following a brain haemorrhage he suffered in July 2023. Van der Sar, who had a distinguished career with Manchester United, winning multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League, was recently hospitalized in Croatia. He has since shared insights into his recovery and reflections on his football journey.
Edwin van der Sar said: “Was I afraid of dying? Honestly, no. I was helped immediately; the ambulance took me straight to the hospital, where the best doctors looked after me. When I returned home, my family and a physiotherapist were always by my side. Now I enjoy time with my family, travel, play padel and go cycling.”
Van der Sar, who was initially admitted to an intensive care unit in Split, Croatia, was later transferred to his home country, where he continued his recovery. The Dutchman, now 54, has embraced a new perspective on life, focusing on family time and leisure activities such as padel and cycling. His ordeal has not only changed his life but also offered him a newfound appreciation for the simpler pleasures.
Reflecting on his football career, Van der Sar revealed that his path could have taken a different turn. After leaving Ajax in 1999, he had the option to join Liverpool but ultimately chose Juventus.
Edwin van der Sar continued: “I spoke to both clubs, but my heart led me to Italy. Serie A was the best league in those years. I was intrigued by the idea of playing for a team where a legendary goalkeeper like [Dino] Zoff had made his mark. Do I regret it? No. I didn’t play my best football, but criticism is part of the game. It was still a wonderful experience to live and play in Italy. The summer I arrived, my team-mates would always take me out for dinner. The food in Turin’s restaurants was fantastic: at the end of the evening, I’d get my credit card ready, but I never paid.”
Van der Sar’s career trajectory saw him move from Juventus to Fulham before becoming a key figure at Manchester United, where he made over 250 appearances. His time in Italy, despite not being his most successful period on the pitch, provided him with valuable life experiences and fond memories, particularly of the camaraderie and culinary delights in Turin.
Since retiring in 2011, Van der Sar has remained involved in football, most recently serving as an executive at Ajax. His recent health scare has prompted him to reflect on his life and career, embracing the changes and cherishing the moments with family and friends.
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