Jimmy Greaves faces 'long, slow road to recovery' as wife Irene confirms England legend is aware of severity of his stroke

Greaves suffered a 'sever stroke' on Sunday that left him in intensive care

Jimmy Greaves remain Tottenham's record goalscorer (Getty Images)

England football legend Jimmy Greaves is aware that he has suffered a serious stroke, his wife Irene has revealed in a new statement.

The 75-year-old former Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham striker was admitted to hospital on Sunday after suffering a severe stroke which has left him in intensive care. Greaves recovered from a minor stroke in 2012.

His wife, Irene, issued a statement on Tuesday to reveal that his recovery would be a “long, slow road” but stressed that he is in the best possible hands and hopes that he will make a full recovery.

She said: "Jimmy is having to do what he is told, and understands the seriousness of what has happened to him. It is going to be a long, slow road to recovery and he is in the best possible hands.

"On behalf of Jimmy and our family, We would like to thank the many thousands of you who have voiced your support and concern. We would greatly appreciate it if the media would allow us privacy for what is going to be a long period of rehabilitation."

England legend Greaves suffered a stroke on Sunday (Getty Images)

The 75-year-old won 57 caps for England, scoring 44 goals that puts him fourth on the all-time list of English goalscorers having been recently overtaken by current captain Wayne Rooney.

Greaves started his career in 1957 with Chelsea where he scored 132 goals in 169 matches, and after a season with Italian side AC Milan, he joined Spurs in 1961. In a spell that spanned nine season, Greaves scored 268 goals in 381 appearances in all competitions, and he spent two years with West Ham before retiring in 1971.

The 75-year-old won 57 caps for England, scoring 44 goals that puts him fourth on the all-time list of English goalscorers having been recently overtaken by current captain Wayne Rooney.

Greaves scored 44 goals in 57 international games for England (Getty Images)

Greaves started his career in 1957 with Chelsea where he scored 132 goals in 169 matches, and after a season with Italian side AC Milan, he joined Spurs in 1961. In a spell that spanned nine season, Greaves scored 268 goals in 381 appearances in all competitions, and he spent two years with West Ham before retiring in 1971.

"Everyone at the Club wishes Jimmy Greaves a speedy recovery after he suffered a stroke yesterday," the club said via their official Twitter account.

"Our thoughts are with Jimmy and his family at this difficult time."