Alex Ferguson thanks hospital staff and well-wishers in first comments since May

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jul 26, 2018

In his first public comments since needing surgery for a brain haemorrhage in early May, Alex Ferguson says he would "not be sitting here today" without the "great care" of the hospital staff that cared for him.

On Saturday 5 May, the football world was rocked by the news that Sir Alex Ferguson had undergone surgery for a brain haemorrhage.

Since then, the most successful manager in English football history has battled in a way only he knows how.

Today, we bring you a special message. pic.twitter.com/NgGejgM46e

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 26, 2018

Ferguson, 76, required emergency surgery on May 5 after feeling ill in the morning and being taken by ambulance to the hospital. He was in intensive care for several days.

He also thanked everyone who had messaged him "for the support you have given me." The Scotsman received an outpouring of support from around the soccer world.

Ferguson's longevity at Manchester United, which he joined in 1986, and the club's success made him one of the legendary coaching figures of modern soccer.

"It has made me feel so humble," the former Manchester United manager added, "as have all the messages I have received from all over the world."