Ex-England football ace Carlton Palmer has life-saving five hour heart operation
The star, who was capped 18 times for England, hailed docs who performed surgery through his groin
A FORMER England football star says he is on the "road to recovery" after undergoing a five-hour heart operation.
Carlton Palmer, who was capped 18 times for England, tweeted from his hospital bed to thank fans for their kind wishes after doctors performed the surgery through his groin.
In another tweet, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United midfielder admitted he had "one hell of a scare" but was looking to the future.
The 50-year-old, who is now a pundit on the BBC's Final Score, said he was now looking forward to a quiet Christmas in Sheffield and New York.
In a tweet to former Blackburn Rovers star Paul Dickov, Palmer said it had been a "bolt out of the blue"
Fellow sporting stars rallied round the former player to wish him well after the gruelling operation.
Former Newcastle United player Steve Howey tweeted: "Good to hear it was a success, you look after yourself."
And Kevin Pressman, who played with Palmer at Sheffield Wednesday, wrote: "I wish you all the best on your recovery from heart surgery Carlton. Didn't expect that with you looking so good."
Palmer started his career at West Bromwich Albion before moving to Sheffield Wednesday, later playing for Leeds United, Southampton and Nottingham Forest.
He was given his England debut by Graham Taylor in 1992, going on to play in the European Championship that year in Sweden. He scored his first and only goal against San Marino.
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In 2001 he became player-manager of Stockport County, and set up his own Football Academy in Dubai in 2012.
In June 2010 he appeared in a one-off football special of Come Dine With Me where he came in first place and won £1,000 for charity.
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