Former Chelsea player Paul Canoville has been admitted to hospital due to a significant deterioration in his physical health.
The 63-year-old made history as Chelsea`s first black footballer after joining from Hillingdon Borough in 1981.
He became a beloved figure at the club, helping them secure the Second Division title in 1984, having notably overcome initial fan hostility.
Canoville, a former winger, scored 15 goals in 103 appearances for Chelsea before transferring to Reading in 1986. His current hospitalization follows a major health setback.
This health issue has resulted in the cancellation of several planned appearances, including the scheduled premiere of a documentary about his life.
Known for his remarkable resilience after previous battles with crack cocaine addiction and cancer, Canoville is now concentrating on recovery, as his current condition has also significantly impacted his mental well-being.
A statement released by the Paul Canoville Foundation provided an update on their founder`s health:
It is with a heavy heart that we share an update on the health of our Founder, Paul Canoville.
Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being.
As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined, but he now needs time, care, and space to recover.
His recent absence from school visits and, most heartbreakingly, the Show Racism the Red Card reception at Downing Street earlier this week, has been deeply upsetting for him.
Out of respect for his need to rest and heal, we kindly ask that people refrain from contacting Paul directly at this time.
Any messages of support can be shared as comments on our social posts and we will ensure Paul sees these once well enough.
Paul’s regular public appearances are an important part of his income. While he takes this time away, we’re asking for donations to help ease that burden and continue the Foundation’s impactful work.
Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support.
After his tenure at Reading, Canoville played for several non-league clubs before retiring in 1994.
Later in his life, he faced and successfully recovered from crack cocaine addiction after undergoing rehabilitation.
He also bravely battled and recovered from cancer on two separate occasions, in 1996 and 2004.
In 2015, he established the Paul Canoville Foundation, dedicated to assisting vulnerable children and young people.
More recently, in 2021, Canoville was hospitalized following complications from emergency surgery but later resumed his valuable work with the Foundation.
