Liverpool legend Ian Rush spent 48 hours in intensive care following an outbreak of the ‘super flu’ but is making a good recovery at home despite struggling to breathe. The 64-year-old, one of Wales’ all-time greats, was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital last week and remains there.
According to the Daily Mail, Rush felt unwell at home and within minutes was rushed to the hospital and admitted to the ICU, where he was treated. Rush’s response has been positive, with a close source saying he is “in good spirits” and plans to return home for Christmas.
Rush has also been hit hard by the “super flu” in the UK, as some schools have been forced to close, hospitals have declared a serious situation and mask rules have been proposed to be reinstated.
Rush was due to play in Liverpool’s game against Brighton at Anfield on Saturday, but remains under observation in hospital.
He is one of the best English strikers of all time, is Liverpool’s all-time top scorer with 346 goals, and remains an ambassador for the Merseyside club. He was also Wales’ top scorer with 28 goals until that record was broken by Gareth Bale in 2018.
Rush played a key role in Liverpool’s dominance in the 1980s, with a move to Serie A giants Juventus and two spells at the club.
He will not be at Anfield due to the visit to Brighton, where Mohamed Salah is starting on the bench as he makes his return to the team following a public feud that erupted between him and Liverpool.
Rush is a “good friend” of Salah and discussed the possibility of his long-standing record being broken before the Egyptian signed a new contract in April.
“I’m a big believer that records are meant to be broken, but you have to win trophies,” Rush said. “I’m also a good friend of Mohamed, so if you’re going to do it, make sure you win the trophy!
“It’s probably going to be three years (a contract is needed to break the record). You never know what’s going to happen, and at the moment he’s enjoying playing.
“He’s playing the best in the world at the moment, so let’s enjoy him and see what happens at the end of the season.”
