Ian Rush shares health update as Liverpool legend given 'second chance' after collapse

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has spoken about his recovery and the support he has received after collapsing at home with super flu and spending six days in hospital

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has given an update after he admitted to hospital at the end of 2025(Image: Getty Images)

Ian Rush feels he has been granted a second opportunity after recovering from last year's health crisis. The Liverpool legend collapsed at his residence last year after contracting a severe bout of flu and feared his time might be running out.

Yet, the Reds' all-time leading scorer battled back and has now made a complete recovery as he has resumed his responsibilities as an ambassador for the club. The 64-year-old spoke to the Liverpool Echo in an interview at the official club shop in Liverpool ONE to mark the re-release of LFC's 1995/96 away kit as part of Adidas' new Bringback range.

News of Rush's medical emergency prompted an overwhelming wave of emotion from Merseyside and the broader football community. The former striker praised the backing he received from people and said he will treasure this for the remainder of his days.

He said: "It means a lot to me.

"The amount of support I had was incredible. I was in hospital for six days. You don't get any younger and I managed to come out. The NHS were absolutely fantastic and I've decided I want to try and enjoy myself now. Now that I've got a second chance really.

"The support I had from all the fans was immense and is something that I will hold with me until I do pass away. It brings me even closer to the Liverpool fans as well.

"The younger generation when you see them supporting Liverpool. It's amazing that they still remember my name."

Naturally, Rush's remarkable tally of 346 goals in a red shirt ensures his legacy at the club remains untouchable.

Ian Rush now works as an ambassador for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

The Welsh striker arrived at Anfield from Chester in 1980 and went on to enjoy a glittering career during his two spells with the club. He revealed that the overwhelming support he received from people throughout his recent health scare reflects the warmth he has consistently experienced since relocating to Merseyside.

He explained: "The people are so friendly. I come from Wales but when you come to Liverpool they make you feel at home. You go into a bar or a coffee shop, and the first thing people say is hello and they start talking to you. They make you feel welcome. They city itself is something special."

The relaunch of the 95/96 kit holds particular significance for Rush, as it was the strip he wore during his farewell appearance for the club in the 1996 FA Cup final.

He reflected: "Unfortunately, we lost that game, but there's still many good memories. It's always sad when you do leave Liverpool. I left them in good hands. Robbie Fowler, Stan Collymore, Steve McManaman. We had some great players and I knew they'd go on to better things."

Rush remains forever synonymous with the club and is a regular presence in the stands at Anfield. Whilst it's been an uneven campaign for Arne Slot's side this season, Rush is confident the team will rediscover the form that secured them the Premier League title last season.

He said: "There's ups and downs isn't it. It's getting the right blend together. I'm sure it will happen, but it's never easy. We've got to keep going. I believe in the supporters now. We've got Tottenham at home and then we've got Galatasaray. That will be a big difference because if we get the right atmosphere in both games, it's then up to the players to respond to that.

"This season, we've found sometimes we've not been scoring in the first 15/20 minutes. If we can get one there, I think that will chance everything so I'm hoping we can do that in the next two games."

Ian Rush is looking forward to Alexander Isak's return from injury for Liverpool(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Rush is also eagerly anticipating the return to fitness of the club's record signing Alexander Isak. Whilst it's been a frustrating beginning to his Merseyside career thus far, Rush recognizes elements of himself in the striker and is confident he will soon demonstrate the form that warrants the price tag.

He said: "You don't see proper number nines now, do you? You've got Haaland, Kane and you've got Isak. I can't wait for him to get back because he's in my sort of position. I like to see a proper number nine and hopefully we'll see him soon."

And he's confident he can feature alongside the side's current top scorer, Hugo Ekitike. Rush said: "With Isak it was a bit difficult because he missed pre-season. He's a number nine. All you have to do to the manager is show them what you can do do on the pitch and they can't leave you out. If they're both performing, then they can both start in the same side."