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talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil has shared an update on his health and recovery following a major surgical procedure.

The former Ipswich Town and Manchester United striker revealed that he feels 'very, very lucky' to still be alive after his heart briefly stopped during a liver transplant operation.

Brazil, who has been missing from his regular talkSPORT duties for the past couple of months, discussed his condition with colleagues Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor on Thursday morning. He mentioned that he is hopeful of returning to work in the near future as his recovery continues.

Reflecting on how the surgery came about, Brazil said, “On the Wednesday morning, I was working on talkSPORT. I had been going through a number of medical tests and consultations, and the specialists finally decided that I would need a transplant.”

“I wasn’t too keen on the idea, but my children and my wife Jill insisted that I had to go through with it. They told me, ‘You have to do this, or you’ll be in trouble.’”

He continued, “I wrapped up work at 9:45, and by 10 o’clock I had to call Addenbrooke’s Hospital. They told me to come in immediately.”

“By 2:30 that afternoon, I was on the operating table. They opened me up, and I was under for around eight hours.”

“They transplanted my liver, but at one point my heart stopped. Thankfully, it started beating again on its own. I’ll be honest, I’m very, very lucky to still be here.”

Speaking about his recovery, Brazil shared, “I’m feeling really good now, though I haven’t been able to sleep properly. I’m also dealing with some fluid build-up issues, but the doctors have reassured me that it’s normal at this early stage.”

“It’s been five and a half weeks since the operation, and they keep telling me not to worry — they’ll sort it out. I’m on a lot of medication and have frequent appointments at Ipswich Hospital and in Cambridge.”

“So, I just have to behave myself, take my pills, rest up, follow medical advice, and hopefully get back to full health soon.”

Brazil added, “I’m still here, improving bit by bit every day, and looking forward to returning to work. It might take a few more weeks, but hopefully just two or three.”

“There’s been plenty of sport to keep me entertained, and it’s been quite a strange few months, to be honest.”

Commenting on recent news about other football legends, he said, “There’s been some upsetting stories lately — with Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, and John Barnes all revealing cancer diagnoses. It feels like every day there’s something new.”

“I’ve been through my own ordeal too, but thankfully, the amazing team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital saved my life. I’m still recovering, not fully there yet, but getting better each day.”

He concluded on a lighter note, “One big motivation to get back is hearing Gabby talking nonsense — I’m only kidding, Gabby! But honestly, sport has really kept me going through all this.”