Former England defender Gary Mabbutt has been admitted to hospital following a ‘serious accident’ in South Africa. The ex-centre-back, who won 16 caps for the Three Lions during the 1980s and early 1990s, remains under medical care. The 64-year-old enjoyed the bulk of his playing days at Tottenham Hotspur and is a Spurs legend. He made 601 appearances for them over nearly 16 years in north London before hanging up his boots in 1998.
In a Facebook post, his close friend and former Tottenham midfielder Micky Hazard disclosed that Mabbutt had been taken to hospital while in South Africa. “Guys just to let you all know Gary Mabbutt has had a serious accident in South Africa, he’s currently in hospital awaiting treatment an a big blood clot in his calf,” Hazard said. “Not allowed to fly until 24th at the earliest to get back to England. Please send him your best wishes to lift his spirits. Best wishes Mabsy you’ve fought bigger battles than this and won.”
An update from Sky Sports confirmed that Mabbutt is recovering from an accident and that Tottenham are in contact with him. The former footballer is resting and awaiting medical clearance to fly home to the UK.
The update on Mabbutt’s condition arrives on the same day England are due to meet Argentina in Atlanta for their World Cup semi-final.
Mabbutt endured various injuries throughout his playing days and was also diagnosed with type-1 diabetes aged 17 while at Bristol Rovers.
Back in 2018, the former England international recounted an extraordinary incident in South Africa when a rat began gnawing at his foot.
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Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio 5Live in 2018, Mabbutt said: “My daughter is at Cambridge University studying Veterinary Medicine and during the recess they have to do placements.
“I got a placement in South Africa in the Kruger Park. So I escorted her out there, and we were staying in a thatched house about 16 miles from the nearest town.
“Unfortunately, due to the injuries through my career and some diabetes – I have very little feeling in my feet. So I’ve gone to sleep and during the night a rat has come has into the bedroom, climbed into the bed and decided to chew on my foot.
“It made quite a big hole in my toe going down to the bone and ate underneath my foot so it became infected. I then got home quite quickly and then I was in hospital for a week and that was about, crikey, about six weeks ago now.”