Former Premier League player reveals he's been diagnosed with devastating condition

A former Manchester City captain has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a neurological condition.

Andy Morrison, 55, played for several clubs during his career, which spanned from 1987 to 2001.

The former central defender started his career at Plymouth Argyle, for whom he’d go on to make 11 appearances before stints at Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Huddersfield Town followed.

In 1998, Morrison signed for Manchester City, who at the time were competing in the Championship, and captained the club to promotion to the Premier League in 1999.

After retiring from playing in 2002, the Scot embarked on a career in coaching with Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads, with whom he won successive Welsh titles, and later worked with the Sri Lanka national team.

However, earlier this week, the former Premier League star issued an update on his health, revealing that he has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

According to the NHS, the syndrome is caused by a virus affecting the facial nerve. Symptoms include blisters in the ears and on the roof of the mouth, as well as tenderness and weakness in the face.

Less than 50 per cent of sufferers make a complete recovery, with the condition usually treated with steroids, antiviral medication and advice on eye care and facial rehabilitation.

In a social media video, he said: “Just a quick update, I’ve had a lot of messages because stuff gets said and lost in translation, but nine days ago, I was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which is basically when a cranial nerve is attacked by a virus.

“It can take six to eight weeks — it can even take over a year — for recovery, but there’s a 70 per cent chance of full recovery.

“I’ll get through this. This is day nine, it’s probably been the toughest day yet.

“Just to give an update, I’ll touch base every couple of weeks to let people know where I’m up to. Thanks for listening, cheers.”

Other notable Ramsay Hunt syndrome sufferers include musician Justin Bieber, with the condition causing him to cancel his Justice World Tour in March 2023.

According to Specsavers: “If you have chickenpox as a child, the varicella-zoster virus can remain in your body, manifesting as shingles when you’re an adult. Shingles is similar to chickenpox in that it causes a rash with fluid-filled blisters, but it tends to be more painful.

“Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is also caused by the varicella-zoster virus and refers specifically to an outbreak of shingles that attacks the facial nerves near one of your ears.

“It is not known why the virus suddenly reoccurs — in some cases after decades — but studies have shown that stress can be a trigger, as it can weaken your immune system.”