Soccer legend and former Cameroonian defender Rigobert Song was airlifted to France for further medical care Wednesday, after he woke up from a two-day coma, reports BBC. The 40-year-old was admitted to Yaounde Central Hospital in Cameroon on Sunday, where his doctor, Louis Joss Bitang A Mafok, confirmed that he had suffered cerebral hemorrhage. On Tuesday, Mafok announced that Song had woken up from his coma and the oxygen supply was disconnected.
The doctor further confirmed that the star’s high blood pressure had returned to normal and the cerebral hemorrhage was under control.
Cameroon’s Minister for Health Andre Mama Fouda expressed his support for Song and congratulated the medical personnel at Yaounde Central Hospital.
“We hail the professionalism of medical doctors in Cameroon and we continue to pray for a safe trip for Rigobert Song and [I hope] that he recovers very fast,” Fouda said.
Song, who is is the uncle of current Cameroonian midfielder Alex Song. waved to a crowd of fans who had gathered outside the hospital to see him off to France.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Song’s relative Alexandre expressed his family’s gratitude to Cameroonians for their support.
“At this moment, my family is living difficult times. We are touched by the love and support of Cameroonians and elsewhere,” he said.
Big Chief
Known for his world-class defensive skills, Song was born in Nkenglicock, Cameroon in 1976.
Before retiring in 2010, Song represented Cameroon in eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, serving as team captain five times.
He has played in a record 137 international matches for Cameroon’s national team and appeared in four World Cups.
Professionally, Song played for a number of international clubs including Liverpool, West Ham United, Lens, and Galatasaray.
He was nicknamed the “Big Chief” by Turkish fans during his four years at Galatasaray.
