Former Rangers title winner reveals he must undergo major surgery in coming days.
Former Rangers title winner Connor Goldson has revealed that he is set to undergo major heart surgery for a second time in an emotional video posted on his official social media page.
The 33-year-old defender recently departed Aris Limassol after two seasons with the Cypriot outfit, and has now confirmed that he will undergo heart surgery in the coming weeks, but has vowed to continue his playing career after conversations with his surgeons. Apollon Limassol recently signed up the centre-back ahead of the new season.
Goldson first underwent life-saving heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm in March 2017, after a defect was detected during a routine cardiac screening, while he was playing for Brighton in the EFL Championship. Originally given a potentially career-ending diagnosis, the English defender made a remarkable recovery and returned to training just eight weeks later, before signing for Rangers in the summer of 2018.
Goldson first had heart surgery in 2017, while playing for Brighton in the EFL Championship.placeholder image
Goldson first had heart surgery in 2017, while playing for Brighton in the EFL Championship. | SNS Group
“On Tuesday, I’ll have my second open heart surgery,” said Goldson. “Nine years after the first. It is strange how quickly life can change. Ten days ago, I was planning for another pre-season, today I am preparing for another operation. Over the last ten days, I have felt every emotion imaginable. For the first time, my children saw me cry. And as a family, we all cried together. At first, I was told my football career might be over and that I would need another operation.
“I’ll be honest, I was angry. I kept asking myself ‘why me?’. After every sacrifice, every early morning, every training session, every setback I fought through - why did I have to face this again? Then the memories came back. The pain, the recovery, learning to trust my body again. Nine years ago, it feels like another lifetime. But suddenly it all became real again. Part of me is calm, because I’ve done this all before. and the other part is scared because I know exactly what is waiting for me.
“But then I looked at it differently. This operation isn’t taking anything away for me, it is giving me more time. Two routine heart scans, nine years apart, have probably saved my life. And for that, I’ll always be grateful. After speaking to some of the best cardiologists and surgeons, I was told something I desperately wanted to hear - football isn’t finished. If everything goes well, this doesn’t define the end of my career, it’s simply another chapter.
“Nine years ago, football was everything. I was just starting out, I needed to prove myself. I needed to build a life for me and my future family. Now, I am already living the life I was once dreamed of. I have an incredible wife, three beautiful children, I have played in the Premier League, Europe League, Champions League, I’ve won trophies, I’ve played more games than I ever thought I would after my first operation. For that, I am incredibly grateful. I hope one day my children watch this and understand something. Life isn’t about avoiding setbacks, it’s about how you respond to them.
Former teammate Jack Butland has sent a message of support.
OUTS: Ivor Pandur (Rangers, £6m), Akin Famewo (Bolton), Aidon Shehu (Panathinaikos), Kasey Palmer (Luton Town), James Debayo (loan to Swindon Town).placeholder image
Former teammate Jack Butland has sent a message of support. OUTS: Ivor Pandur (Rangers, £6m), Akin Famewo (Bolton), Aidon Shehu (Panathinaikos), Kasey Palmer (Luton Town), James Debayo (loan to Swindon Town). | Getty
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“Yes, I’m scared and nervous. Some moments, when I’m alone, my mind races. But then I remind myself that there are people fighting battles far bigger than mine every day. And that gives me perspective, and I am grateful. Tomorrow is another operation, not the end of my story, just another chapter. I’ll do what I’ve always done - face it, fight it, and come back stronger. Nine years ago I was given a second chance, on Tuesday I’ll be given another one, and I’m excited to see what chapters will be written.”
A host of Goldson’s former teammates left comments in the comment section of his Instagram post, with recently departed goalkeeper Jack Butland writing: “Just another challenge to overcome. All with you mate”, while Calvin Bassey simply put “my brother” with a love heart emoji.
Ex-Rangers striker Antonio Colak said: “Stay strong, my big brate! We are all with you. Wishing you a speedy recovery. We’re praying for you, and sending you all our love and strength.” Fashion Jr. wrote: “Thank you for being such an amazing brother. I’m truly grateful for your friendship, and I believe you’ll come through this stronger than ever.”