Ex-Leicester coach Pearson relearns to walk after serious illness

The 2016 Premier League fairytale of Leicester City might never have happened without Nigel Pearson, who saved the Foxes from relegation a year earlier. However, in October 2023, Pearson was forced to pause his managerial career due to severe health issues.

Details: That autumn, Pearson was diagnosed with a serious neurological condition. Recently, he spoke candidly about his challenges, revealing that he had to relearn how to walk and expressing gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering encouragement.

Quote: "I’d like to thank all the kind people who have continued to support me over the past 13 months. I wanted to share some updates with you. Relearning to walk has been an incredible challenge. I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical staff for their support.

I had a wonderful opportunity to travel with my dad to the USA and meet family in Wisconsin for the first time. Recently, I managed to cycle in the Peak District and swing a golf club at the driving range—although I still have some work to do (I haven’t fallen yet!).

While my prognosis remains unclear, I’ve found that positivity and laughter can be the best medicine, as I experienced with old school friends on a narrow boat trip for my birthday. There is always light ahead... new opportunities, new challenges. Take care of one another and enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones," Pearson wrote on his X account.

Reminder: Pearson managed Leicester City from 2011 to 2015, guiding the team to Premier League promotion. He was succeeded by Claudio Ranieri in the summer of 2015, who led the Foxes to their historic Premier League title.