IAN RUSH has revealed the terrifying moment he feared he was about to die after a sudden illness left him fighting for his life.
The Reds icon, 64, spent six days in hospital – including time in intensive care – after the shock ordeal of suffering from undiagnosed (until recently) .
Ian Rush suited up alongside partner Carol AnthonyCredit: Alamy
Rush, Liverpool’s all-time top scorer with a staggering 346 goals in 660 games, admitted the experience has completely changed his outlook on life.
He is now recovering, but says the scare forced him to confront his own mortality like never before.
In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph , he said: “When I was recovering, the doctors asked me how long I have been suffering from asthma. I told them I didn’t know I did.
“There are so many things you start thinking about that you never did before – all the things you need to have in place if the worst happens but you would usually put it off.
“I was recommended more sunshine and swimming, and was told to learn how to breathe correctly. I didn’t know I had been doing it wrong.”
The former striker, who formed a legendary partnership with during Liverpool’s dominant era, is now taking daily precautions just to manage his breathing.
Rush now carries an inhaler, takes regular medication and completes breathing exercises three times a day.
Doctors were stunned to discover he had been unknowingly living with asthma.
The near-death experience has also made Rush reflect on his incredible career at Anfield.
Rush was a phenomenon, playing a key role in one of the most dominant periods for a team in English history.
Between 1972 and 1990, the Reds claimed 11 First Division titles in 18 years – with Rush right at the heart of that golden era, winning five along with two European Cups in 1981 and 1984.
Ian Rush parading the FA Cup after winning it for a third time in 1992Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Ian Rush was a goal machine and is recognised as one of the best strikers of all-timeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
While he has always played down his achievements, the scare has made him think differently.
Rush said: “I’ve spent most of my life downplaying my goal records a bit.
“I’ve always said they are there to be broken, and what mattered most is that the team won trophies. I still believe that.
“There is also a part of me which now thinks if someone wants to ask about my records, why shouldn’t I let them shout about it?”
Rush admitted the outpouring of support he received during his illness also made him realise just how much he means to fans.
even stepped in to help his recovery, arranging a four-week break in Dubai so he could benefit from warmer weather.
The Welshman added: “Liverpool got in touch while I was ill and said they wanted to do what they could to help.
“Because they knew warmer weather would aid my recovery, they organised a break in Dubai for four weeks.
“You don’t realise how dangerous cold weather is until you get older. I appreciated everyone’s concern. I’m a lot more comfortable now.”
Rush and his partner in 2021 together in Dubai, where he has recently been to aid his recoveryCredit: AFP
Even now, Rush can recall almost every goal from his glittering career, including his famous European Cup contributions.
But there is still one that frustrates him.
Rush said: “The penalty in the shoot-out against Roma in 1984 was one of my most important goals.
“I’ve never understood why goals in penalty shoot-outs are not counted.”
These days, Rush remains close to the game as Liverpool ambassador, and his legacy remains.
On Wednesday night during ‘s 7-2 win over , TNT Sports commentary team Adam Summerton and Glenn Hoddle compared his ruthless finishing to that of as the Polish superstar notched a brace.
Lewandowski, who shares many similar traits with Rush, celebrates his second goal against NewcastleCredit: AP
But after his health scare, football has taken a back seat for Rush.
Now, it’s about enjoying life and making sure everything is in order.
Rush admitted: “I told myself I need to write a will. And now I’ve said that, it reminds me… I better go and do it.”
Carol Anthony (left) and Ian Rush (right) have been together since 2013Credit: Alamy
Rush in good spirits celebrating his birthday with partner Carol AnthonyCredit: Twitter @CarolAnthony_ 
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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