Ray Wilkins placed into induced coma after suffering heart attack and a fall, former Chelsea midfielder's wife says

'He is not in a good state at all, I’m afraid'

Ray Wilkins has been placed in an induced coma, his wife said. (Getty)

Ray Wilkins, the former England, Manchester United and Chelsea footballer has been placed into an induced coma after suffering from a cardiac arrest, his wife has said.

“He is not in a good state at all, I’m afraid,” Jackie Wilkins told The Mirror. “He’s critically ill.”

She added: “The cardiac arrest led to a fall which has meant he’s had to be put in an induced coma. It’s very, very bad.”

Wilkins collapsed at his home in Cobham, Surrey, on Wednesday shortly after appearing on Alan Brazil’s Talksport breakfast show, the newspaper reported. The 61-year-old is a regular pundit on both radio and television.

He is being treated at St George’s Hospital, in Tooting Broadway, south-west London, known for one of the country’s best trauma units, where hospital staff confirmed that he is currently in a “critical condition”.

“We can confirm that Ray Wilkins is currently being treated at St George’s Hospital, and his condition is critical,” a post on the St George’s Hospital Twitter account read. “His family have asked for privacy at this time, and we are tweeting this update with their agreement.”

Ms Wilkins said he was going to have a scan next week, when they were hoping for an update on his condition.

“It’s a very difficult time for the family,” she said.

A number of Wilkins’ former clubs posted messages of support on Twitter after learning of the news.

Chelsea said: “The thoughts of everybody at Chelsea Football Club are with Ray Wilkins and his family tonight. Keep fighting Ray, you have our love and support.”

Queens Park Rangers posted: “We're extremely saddened to hear former #QPR player and manager Ray Wilkins has suffered a suspected heart attack.

“All our prayers are with you, Ray.”

As well as Talksport, Wilkins works for Sky Sports as part of their Premier League coverage, and a number of his colleagues also posted messages of support.

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard said: "All thoughts and strength with this man and his family tonight. An absolute gentleman."

Ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba added: "Just found out about the news, be strong Ray Wilkins and family. We blue army are sending you our prayers on this religious day."

Wilkins, also known as “Butch”, made his debut for Chelsea in 1973, aged 17. He would go on to play for Manchester United, AC Milan and Paris St Germain.

Known for his passing ability, the midfielder also had two stints at Queens Park Rangers and played for a number clubs before ending his career at the end of the 1997 season at Leyton Orient.

He also won 84 England caps and captained the national side on 10 occasions, scoring three goals. He received an MBE at Buckingham Palace in 1993.

After hanging up his boots, he would go on to coach at a number of clubs, including Chelsea, Fulham, Watford and the Jordan national team.

Following a drink drive conviction in 2013, he admitted to being an alcoholic and sought help.

In an interview the following year, he said: “Footballers who think they are something special are making a terrible mistake.”