Man Utd legend Andy Cole shares health latest as he battles daily struggle

 Manchester United icon Andy Cole has candidly spoken about his ongoing struggle with kidney issues. The ex-England forward, who was struck down by illness in 2015 and underwent a kidney transplant two years later, joined the Red Devils in 1995 after a stellar 34-goal season for Newcastle.

Cole quickly made his mark at Old Trafford, forming a lethal partnership with Dwight Yorke that powered United to their historic 1999 treble. That year, Cole netted 24 times across all competitions, while Yorke bagged 29.

The 54-year-old hung up his boots in 2008, but post-retirement life has been marred by health troubles. A decade ago, he suffered kidney failure after picking up an unidentified virus during a trip to Vietnam.

His condition deteriorated to such an extent that he required a kidney transplant in 2017. Fortunately, his nephew was a match and the operation was successful. Despite this, Cole continues to grapple with his health issue and has now offered a heartfelt glimpse into how it impacts him.

"It was just a really mentally testing time," said Cole, speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. "You've been fit the majority of your life and then all of a sudden you find yourself in a situation where you're like, 'How do I actually go about this one?'

"I think when I first went down, the first thing I was thinking was I'd just attack it exactly like I used to do when I was playing football: 'Just get on with it. Man up.' Then I realised it was going to take a little more than that.

"I think it has been the most challenging thing I've had to go through. Because everything's self-doubt. You're not sure how things are gonna work out for you.

"It's all self-doubt with this illness because it's a fatigue illness and you forever question yourself. 'Will I be able to do this? Will I be able to do that?'

"I had around two years of questioning myself. Then in that time, I felt ill a few more times and I've actually turned around and said to myself, 'Sod it. Get on with it.'

"I was backed so much by a lot of my former team-mates saying, 'Come on. We know what you're like. We know mentally you're strong.' You've got to realise you can't be stubborn anymore.

"I mean, what will be will be, you know? Just live your life, enjoy what you've got left. That's the way I try and view things now. Ultimately, with the illness every now and then it's gonna be a struggle. Just gotta ride it out.

"I look at things totally different now. I mean, we've got to enjoy every day for what it is. As I say to everyone now, 'Tomorrow's not a given, so just enjoy today for what is.'

"If I wake up tomorrow and, as I call it, it's a kidney day, you get on with it. You ride the day out. Tomorrow is a new day. I've got no time for nonsense anymore."