Andy Cole fights tears over kidney transplant hell and thinks about ‘giving up’ after Man Utd icon’s ‘s***storm’ 5 years
ANDY COLE revealed he has considered "giving up" as he lifted the lid on his battle against kidney failure.
The Manchester United legend fell ill in 2015 after contracting a virus while on tour in Vietnam as a club ambassador.
Cole's body and face began to swell and he suffered severe fatigue as a result of the Focal Segmental Glomeruloscleroisis.
He shrugged off the illness until he eventually went to the doctors as his condition got considerably worse.
It was then that he found out his life was at risk as his kidney function dropped to just seven per cent of the usual capacity.
He underwent a transplant in 2017 after his nephew stepped forward as a donor.
But the five-time Premier League winner has revealed he is still struggling daily as a result of the illness.
During an interview with , the 48-year-old said: "There are many, many times when I want to give up, period, not just on life but give up on everything.
"It becomes so difficult. I was struggling last Wednesday.
"It totally came out of the blue and I had to stay in bed.
"I conceded defeat and accepted that today's not going to be my day.
"Previously, I would fight. But ultimately, I know I can't beat it."
He added: "The past five years have been a s*** storm.
"When I met you in October 2018 the biggest s*** storm was starting."
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When asked if life has got harder since then, the former striker said: "It certainly did."
The ex-England international takes medication every day to stop his body from rejecting the donated kidney.
Cole continued: "I'm still here, that's the most important thing.
"But people don't understand what you go through with this illness.
Cole, who lives alone after going through a divorce with his wife after the transplant, admitted he is finding lockdown tough.
He said: "I want to go out, have a laugh with my mates, and go for dinner.
"I don't know when I will be able to do any of that again. It's driving me insane.
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It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
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Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
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If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123