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PRAY FOR RAY

England legend Ray Wilkins, 61, fighting for his life in induced coma after suffering a heart attack

Former Chelsea and Man United midfielder seriously ill in hospital in Tooting

THE football world has rallied round in support of Ray Wilkins as the England legend fights for his life after suffering a heart attack.

The ex-Chelsea and Man United midfielder, 61, was placed in an induced coma at St George's Hospital in London, on Friday night.

 Ray Wilkins collapsed at his home in Cobham, Surrey, on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest
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Ray Wilkins collapsed at his home in Cobham, Surrey, on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: PA:Press Association

His wife Jackie said he is currently in intensive care after having a cardiac arrest at their home in Cobham, Surrey, on Wednesday and remains critically ill.

She told the : "The cardiac arrest led to a fall which has meant he’s had to be put in an induced coma. It’s very, very bad."

Legends from across the football world have offered their support at this difficult time on Twitter, including Gary Lineker, Didier Drogba and Neil Ruddock.

Former Leicester and Barcelona striker Linker tweeted: "Thoughts are with Ray Wilkins and his family. Rooting for you, Butch."

 Football legends including Gary Lineker have offered their support to Ray and his family on Twitter
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Football legends including Gary Lineker have offered their support to Ray and his family on Twitter
 Ray collapsed just hours after appearing on Alan Brazil's talkSPORT breakfast show
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Ray collapsed just hours after appearing on Alan Brazil's talkSPORT breakfast show
 Chelsea legend Didier Drogba offered his support to Ray and his family after learning of the news
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Chelsea legend Didier Drogba offered his support to Ray and his family after learning of the news
Ray Wilkins describes Michael Carrick as a wonderful footballer

Ex-England star Ruddock said: "Thoughts and best wishes to Ray Wilkins and his family tonight, get well soon Ray where all thinking of you mate. What a guy this fella is so genuine and time for everyone."

Chelsea legend Drogba wrote: "Just found out about the news, be strong Ray Wilkins and family. We blue army are sending you."

His former club Chelsea released a message of support saying: "The thoughts of everybody at Chelsea Football Club are with Ray Wilkins and his family tonight. Keep fighting Ray, you have our love and support."

Ex-Scotland star and talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil wished Ray the best from his radio team after collapsing just hours after appearing on his breakfast show.

 The football world has rallied in support of Ray, including his former club Chelsea FC which released these pictures
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The football world has rallied in support of Ray, including his former club Chelsea FC which released these pictures
 Ex-England star Neil Ruddock tweeted his tributes, described Ray as a 'genuine fella'
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Ex-England star Neil Ruddock tweeted his tributes, described Ray as a 'genuine fella'
 Former German midfielder Michael Ballack, who was coached by Wilkins at Chelsea, reached out with this message to his family
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Former German midfielder Michael Ballack, who was coached by Wilkins at Chelsea, reached out with this message to his family
 Ex England cricket captain and Chelsea fan Alec Stewart tweeted his support
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Ex England cricket captain and Chelsea fan Alec Stewart tweeted his support

He tweeted: "Ray Wilkins is one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet and working with him on the show is always a joy. Keep fighting, Butch."

Former German midfielder Michael Ballack, who was coached by Wilkins at Chelsea, also tweeted his support to Ray's family.

Wilkins played 84 times for England, captaining 10 times and scoring three goals.

 Ray Wilkins suffered a cardiac arrest on Friday
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Ray Wilkins suffered a cardiac arrest on FridayCredit: The Sun

Ray has battled poor health including ulcerative colitis over the last few years, but got the all-clear after a double heart bypass operation last July.

Ray's wife said he is due a scan on Tuesday and the family is hopeful of a positive update.

His son Ross added: “It’s touch and go whether my father will get through this.

"I hope everyone can respect the family’s wishes over privacy at this very difficult time for us. It’s touch and go whether my father will get through this."

He was recently on Chelsea's back-room staff under Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.

 Ray Wilkins is an incredibly popular man in the world of football
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Ray Wilkins is an incredibly popular man in the world of footballCredit: PA:Press Association
 The 61-year-old has had three spells in Chelsea's back-room team
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The 61-year-old has had three spells in Chelsea's back-room teamCredit: Getty - Contributor
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