TheCable

Kanu is now “hale and hearty”

After a successful second heart operation in the United States, Nigeria’s most decorated footballer, Nwankwo Kanu, will return to Nigeria this month.

Kanu, captain of the 1996 gold-winning Olympic team, disclosed exclusively to TheCable that he is “well, hale and hearty” after his second operation.

“I feel overwhelmed by the support and prayers of Nigerians to my well-being.

“I am well and fine, I can’t thank Nigerians enough for always being there with prayers.

“I am okay and will be back home this month. We are lining up more innovations for the Kanu Heart Foundation, we have so much planned and we are taking things to a bigger level,” Kanu said.

Kanu’s younger brother, Ogbonna, had told BBC on in March: “It’s important to clarify that decision to operate him was reached during his annual medical check-up.

“We give thanks to God that everything went well and he’s in perfect condition

“The family would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Nigerians and Nwankwo Kanu’s fans across the world for their prayers and best wishes.”

The former Nigeria captain first had heart surgery in November 1996 to correct a faulty aortic valve.

After year out, he returned to action for Inter Milan and in February 1999 joined Premier League side Arsenal.

The experience prompted him to set up a foundation to build five hospitals in Africa to treat undiagnosed heart disease and provide surgery.

Kanu announced his retirement from international football at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.