Ex-England star Luther Blissett, 66, ‘collapses at charity event’ and rushed to hospital as Watford release statement
FORMER England star Luther Blissett was rushed to hospital after falling ill at a charity auction last week.
The 66-year-old reportedly collapsed while hosting this year’s My Local Hero fundraiser at Watford’s Grove Hotel on Saturday.
According to the Watford Observer, he was immediately rushed to Watford General Hospital before being transferred to a specialist in London for further assessments.
Blissett had auctioned off a Watford shirt just hours beforehand.
A statement from his former club on Thursday read: “Watford FC is aware of reports that the club’s all-time record appearance-maker and goalscorer Luther Blissett OBE DL is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
“Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury said: ‘Luther and all of his loved ones know they have our full support. We will do all we can to help.’
“The Hornets wish to confirm at this stage, however, that the club has had no direct confirmation of his circumstances from Luther or his family.
“Everyone connected with Watford FC would like to wish Luther the fullest possible recovery.
“‘Watford’s Favourite Son’ was helping raise money at a community event last weekend when he was taken ill.”
Blissett spent 14 years with Watford across three different spells as a player.
He made 210 appearances in total and scored 90 goals.
The striker also played for AC Milan, Bournemouth, West Brom, Bury, Derry City, Mansfield Town, Southport, Wimborne Town, Fakenham Town and Chesham United.
He was capped 14 times by England and scored three international goals.
After retiring, Blissett briefly took up management and spent another year with Chesham.
He was awarded an OBE in 2022 for his services to association football and charity.