Andy Cole reveals struggles after kidney failure

Former Manchester United and England striker Andy Cole just wants life to go back to normal after suffering a kidney failure.

The 44-year-old won five league titles and a Champions League with the Red Devils, and also famously plundered goals for the likes of Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, but suffered the severe problem after contracting an airborne virus.

"I don't think my kidney is going to be 100 percent now, if it gets back to 70-to-80 percent I will be delighted," Cole told BBC Sport.

"When I admitted to myself I was ill, it was tough to accept. I didn't want my family to worry about me."

Some footballers tend to pile on the pounds after calling time on their career, but the ex-striker was keen not to follow this trait as he still wants to kick a ball around and go for a run. Unfortunately, the kidney failure left matters out of Cole's hands.

"Putting on all the weight has been the toughest part. When I retired, I promised my kids I will never put on weight because when (footballers) retire they eat and drink," Cole added, father to Devante Cole, who currently plies his trade for League One's Fleetwood Town.

"Seeing the change in my body, that has been tough, it wreaks havoc with yourself. You get comments like, 'Andy Cole's let himself go, who ate all the pies?'

"I have to take it day by day. I am four months off a year and it has been tough going through this process."

Cole wound up his career with hometown club Nottingham Forest in 2008, and recorded 289 goals for 12 different English outfits.