Paul Canoville: Chelsea icon ‘stable’ but remains in critical condition in hospital

Former Chelsea winger Paul Canoville is stable but remains in a critical condition in hospital following emergency surgery.

Canoville, 58, was Chelsea’s first ever black player when he signed for the Blues in 1981.

A statement from the Paul Canoville Foundation on Monday said: “Paul is in the best possible hands and we are thankful to the NHS for all they are doing for him. He is stable but remains in a critical condition.

“We are overwhelmed by the kind thoughts and concern expressed by so many people. Thank you - it really means a lot! #TeamCanners.”

Canoville, who has been a prominent anti-racism campaigner, scored 15 goals in 103 games for Chelsea before retiring with a knee injury aged 25. He has recovered from cancer three times.

His foundation said last week that he was “critically ill in hospital after complications set in after emergency surgery” and asked people to keep him in their thoughts.