Aston Villa great Gordon Cowans has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 61-year-old, who was a member of Villa’s 1982 European Cup winning team, released a statement on Monday saying that he has early onset Alzheimer’s, a form of the condition that usually affects those under the age of 70.
Cowans spoke about the diagnosis via the social media account of Villa support group Lions and Legends. He said: ‘Medication has been prescribed, with some life changes which I intend to commit to fully, the prognosis is a good one.
‘I will be out and about for many years yet and see this as just another of life’s journeys. My match day duties with Aston Villa will remain an important part of my future and I will continue to perform these, in support of my beloved club, for as long as my health allows. With the love and support of family and close friends guaranteed, I am very optimistic and positive about the future.’
Cowans had three spells with Villa — 1976-85, 1988-91 and 1993-4. As well as helping the team reach the European summit in 1982, he was also part of the Division One title-winning side a year earlier — Villa’s last top-flight crown.
The midfielder had a spell with Italian side Bari and won 10 England caps. He finished his playing career at Burnley in 1997 — 21 years after he began at Villa aged 17.