Edwin van der Sar's life took a dramatic turn last July during his holiday in Croatia when he faced a brain haemorrhage. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News' senior reporter Tim Thornton in Amsterdam, he opened up about this life-changing moment, his recovery journey, his future plans, and the appointment of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Discover Edwin van der Sar's Struggle and Resilience

Back to July Last Year

Van der Sar vividly recalls that fateful day. He woke up on the last day of his holiday in Croatia, feeling something strange in his neck and shoulder blades. Throwing up in the toilet and then noticing the light was too harsh in his eyes, he knew something was wrong. He went to lie down in bed and realized it was a brain haemorrhage. It was a shock as one always assumes they are healthy, but this incident showed that no one is immune.After being transported from Croatia to The Hague and spending time in the ICU, he finally got his phone back and saw the outpouring of support from the football world. But initially, his focus was on getting better and taking care of his family.

Recovery Process and Current State

The recovery process varies from person to person. For Van der Sar, it was a lighter version but still required working on his conditioning, balance, and other aspects. After about two weeks, he was able to talk and move around. Now, he believes he is fully recovered, although his family might notice some changes in his thinking. A normal conversation like this poses no problem for him.This experience has definitely changed his perspective on life. He had planned to take a year off after resigning from Ajax in May, focusing on rest and recovery. But now, he is enjoying life as it comes and not actively seeking a new challenge.

Return to the Pitch and Football Memories

Getting back on the pitch in a Legends game was a special experience for Van der Sar. He missed the simple joy of kicking a ball and playing football. Meeting players like Didier Drogba and having in-depth conversations with them about their ambitions was a new side of football for him. It made him realize that there is more to the game than just competing head-on as players.

Thoughts on Manchester United Restructure

Van der Sar emphasizes the importance of a connected structure at any club. At Ajax, he saw how a small issue could have a ripple effect. At Manchester United, the ownership structure and the CEO position have changed multiple times. He believes that the current appointment of a manager is a step in the right direction, as it should lead to better coordination and support.

Impressions of Ruben Amorim

Meeting Ruben Amorim a few years ago during a Sporting Lisbon U19 Youth League game left a positive impression on Van der Sar. He found Amorim to be an open and humorous person with good English. He trusts that the club's scouting and technical team have done their homework in finding a suitable successor to bring success to the club.

The Need for Time and Results

Time is crucial when building success, but at some point, results are essential. Manchester United has a lot of support worldwide, and they have signed players. Now, the focus is on having a clear line of communication between the technical director and the football director to know when and how to make changes. A manager needs to perform and win games to improve their position.In conclusion, Edwin van der Sar's story is one of struggle and resilience. His experiences have given him a new outlook on life and football, and he continues to be an influential figure in the sport.