Ian Rush has revealed he feared “this might be the end” after experiencing a recent health scare.
Liverpool have been given a sobering reminder this week that football is secondary to life itself, after one of the club’s most iconic figures spoke openly about a deeply frightening personal experience.
Ian Rush, the Reds’ all-time leading goalscorer, has disclosed that he genuinely feared he might die after collapsing at home earlier this month, recounting the ordeal in an interview with BBC Sport.
The 64-year-old was rushed to the Countess of Chester Hospital on 11 December and spent two days in intensive care after contracting what was described as “superflu”.
“I honestly thought the worst and felt this could be the end,” the former Liverpool No.9 admitted. “I just couldn’t breathe.”
Rush explained that his breathing problems intensified overnight, leading his partner Carol to call an ambulance in the early hours. Although he appeared to stabilise initially, he collapsed again shortly after paramedics left, prompting a second emergency call and his admission to hospital.
“It was absolutely terrifying,” he said. “I panicked because I couldn’t breathe, and I genuinely thought that was it.”
Health scare puts life into perspective
The Liverpool ambassador was eventually discharged after five days, but not before being forced to confront the seriousness of the situation.
“It’s been a real wake-up call,” Rush added. “There are things I need to make sure are sorted, so that if anything ever does happen, everything is in place for everyone else.”
Those reflections carry added significance given the difficult time he has endured recently, having lost his brother Gerald shortly before the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
Rush previously explained his absence from Jota’s funeral, describing the Portuguese forward as “probably the best natural finisher at the club” and “a true gentleman” who always gave his all.
That sense of loss, combined with his health scare, has made his recent public appearances even more meaningful.
Despite everything, Rush confirmed that Liverpool have offered unwavering support, telling him to “take as much time off as you need”.
“That’s when you realise just how much of a family this club really is,” he said.
An unmatched Liverpool legacy
Since leaving hospital, Rush has received an outpouring of messages from across the football world, highlighting the immense respect he commands well beyond Anfield.
He has since attended the World Sports Summit in Dubai and continues to serve on the jury for the Globe Soccer Awards, where a Special In Memoriam award was presented for Diogo Jota.
Looking back on his career, Rush said he remains immensely proud of what he achieved, particularly at Liverpool.
With 346 goals for the club, he still stands comfortably ahead of Roger Hunt and Mohamed Salah — a record that cements his legendary status.
“It gives me the motivation to keep going,” Rush said, adding that being Liverpool’s record scorer “fills me with pride”.
His words serve as a powerful reminder that while trophies and results matter, the people who shape this football club matter far more.
