Birmingham City and Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge thanked everyone who sent their well wishes as he continues to recover from COVID-19.
Etheridge didn’t give much details in his first statement since his English second division club revealed his condition the other day, but said that he’s feeling much better.
“I’m feeling stronger today,” Etheridge said Thursday, July 15. “I will put a more detailed message out in due course but I just wanted to let everyone know I’m slowly on the mend.
“I’m so overcome with feeling of thanks that I don’t even know where to start. I’ll put something a little more detailed out soon but all I can say for the time being is...thank you,” added Etheridge.
Etheridge also posted a selfie from his hospital bed flashing a thumbs up sign while in a ventilator.
We’re right behind you, Ethers. pic.twitter.com/H2bGKcdDLh
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 15, 2021
The 31-year-old was in the middle of Birmingham City’s preparation for the English Football Championship season when he was treated in a hospital after being infected with the coronavirus.
EFL clubs Walsall and Cardiff City also sent out their messages of a speedy recovery to their former goalkeeper.
“Everyone at Walsall Football Club wishes Neil a speedy recovery!” Walsall, who had Etheridge as goalkeeper from 2015 to 2017, said while retweeting Birmingham City’s announcement.
Cardiff tweeted a more heartfelt message to Etheridge, who was its No. 1 shotstopper when it earned promotion to the English Premier League in 2018.
He was also the club’s Player of the Season during Cardiff City’s Premier League stint in the 2018/19 season and is considered as a fan favorite before transferring to Birmingham City in Aug. 2020.
“We're all with you, @Neil38Etheridge(Etheridge’s Twitter handle)!” Cardiff City said.