25 July 2023 , 06:30
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Former Premier League star Shaka Hislop has insisted he is keen to get back to work in his first update since collapsing live on ESPN.
Hislop was part of the broadcaster's team covering AC Milan's friendly against Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl on Sunday night. But ahead of the game, the former goalkeeper was involved in a terrifying incident as he was being asked a question by presenter Dan Thomas.
Hislop, who played for Portsmouth, West Ham and Newcastle, stumbled backwards and then forwards before collapsing. Thomas could be heard shouting "Shaka" and "We need some help" before the coverage cut away.
Now, the Premier League icon has thanked the medical staff who helped him, as well as those who have reached out. And he also insisted that he will seek the best medical care to deal with the cause of his collapse.
"Well, that was awkward. What a 24 hours this has been. Listen, every so often, life gives you a moment to pause and this was mine," Hislop said in a video posted by ESPN colleague Rodolfo Martinez.
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"There's so much I have to be thankful for, my wife, kids, family, loved ones, friends, people I've shared a space with and lost touch with for whatever reason and reached out to me either directly or indirectly, thank you.
"My response now has to be to seek out the best medical opinion that I can get and listen to what my doctors have to say. In closing, I'd like to say thanks to Dan and the ESPN family, the camera operators and the medical staff at the Rose Bowl who responded in the way they did.
Hislop collapsed live on ESPN on Sunday night (ESPN)"And afforded me the care that I got. Thank you. I know now that even when we argue and disagree, I have the fullest support of each and every one of you. I'm looking forward to getting back and enjoying what I love doing most. See you in a bit."
Hislop's collapse came during the pre-match build-up, and at half-time presenter Thomas confirmed that he was on the road to recovery. Thomas revealed that the pundit was awake and talking, even apologising for what happened.
"Half-time then here at the Rose Bowl. It's AC Milan 2-0 Real Madrid, but that of course is very much secondary to what happened ahead of the game. Obviously my mate Shaka not here, but as it stands it's good news," Thomas said.
"He's concious, he's talking, I think he's a little embarrased about it all. He's apologised profusely. Not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him. Obviously far too early to make a diagnosis.
"But the important thing is that Shaka's concious. We spoke to his family as well because you can imagine seeing that happen live, they can't be many more things that scare you. Fortunately, we spoke to his wife and things are looking OK.
"We'll be going back to the second-half here at the Rose Bowl. Thank you for all your love and as it stands, it looks like Shaka will be alright."