Jimmy Greaves, a Tottenham Hotspur and England national team legend, and Tottenham's all-time leading goal scorer, has been hospitalized after suffering a severe stroke on Sunday, according to Tottenham's official website.
Everyone at the Club wishes Jimmy Greaves a speedy recovery after he suffered a stroke yesterday. pic.twitter.com/TTf29dYdO1
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 4, 2015
The 75-year old Greavesie was set to return to White Hart Lane to be inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame on May 13 in a special ceremony. It was to be his first return to White Hart Lane since his departure from the club in 1970.
Greaves is a Tottenham legend, but has been in a difficult relationship with Spurs since his acrimonious departure from the club. He scored 266 goals in 379 matches during his Tottenham career, which lasted from 1961 through 1970, and was also a prolific talent for England: he scored 44 goals in 57 international caps, and was a member of the England side that won the 1966 World Cup.
Despite his dedication to Tottenham, Greaves was unhappy with the way he was sold from the club he loved by Bill Nicholson, and refused to attend Spurs matches until recently. His decision to return to White Hart Lane for his Hall of Fame induction was a sign that he was ready to mend fences and be recognized by the club for his contributions. Tottenham has not made a statement as to whether the induction ceremony will be postponed or cancelled in the wake of his hospitalization.
We at Cartilage Free Captain express our sympathies to Greaves and to the Greaves family, and hope for a full and speedy recovery.