Tuesday 5 May 2015 13:34, UK
Former Tottenham and England striker Jimmy Greaves faces a 'long, slow road to recovery' according to his wife Irene.
The 75-year-old was admitted to hospital on Sunday following a severe stroke which has left him in intensive care.
In a statement, his wife said his recovery would be a lengthy process, adding: "Jimmy is having to do what he is told, and understands the seriousness of what has happened to him. It is going to be a long, slow road to recovery and he is in the best possible hands.
"On behalf of Jimmy and our family, We would like to thank the many thousands of you who have voiced your support and concern. We would greatly appreciate it if the media would allow us privacy for what is going to be a long period of rehabilitation."
Speaking earlier, Greaves' agent Terry Baker said he is "conscious but unable to speak", adding: "We have had thousands of get well messages including one from a devastated Ian St John. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts at this time."
Greaves is regarded as one of the greatest English forwards of all time.
He scored 44 goals in 57 games for his country and also netted a club record 266 times in 379 matches for Tottenham. He also scored more league goals (366) than any other player in Europe's five major championships - England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France.
After retiring from the game, Greaves co-hosted the popular Saturday lunchtime football show Saint and Greavsie alongside former Liverpool forward St John.
Greaves suffered a minor stroke in 2012, but was thought to have made a full recovery. He had been due to be indicted into the Tottenham Hall of Fame in a sell-out ceremony at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, 13 May.
