FIFA ambassador Victoria Lopyreva is sending sent a personal get-well message from the RT studio to legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who is currently recovering from a brain hemorrhage.
Ferguson, 76, remains in hospital but is out of intensive care and emerged from a coma on Tuesday, having undergone emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage on May 5. Reports say the Scot has responded well to treatment.
Lopyreva has made no secret of her support for The Red Devils, having travelled to the club’s Old Trafford stadium a number of times to watch matches. She issued a personal message of support to the club’s greatest ever manager.
“Dear Sir Alex, from the bottom of my heart I want to wish you good health. The whole world is concerned about your condition and it is extremely important for us that you feel well. You are a fantastic person, a living legend. We all want you to feel healthy. Get well soon!” Lopyreva said.
READ MORE: Manchester United legend Alex Ferguson in critical condition after brain surgery
Ferguson managed United for a total 26 years, leading the club to two Champions League trophies, 13 Premier League titles – the most of any coach – five FA Cups, four English League Cups, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
With Ferguson at the helm, the club completed two league and cup doubles and achieved an unprecedented treble n 1999, the same year he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to football. His family have requested privacy during his recovery.
Retiring Manchester United captain Michael Carrick paid tribute to his former boss in his farewell speech after his final game against Watford at the weekend, calling Ferguson “a major part of the family” at the club.
Lopyreva was also named World Cup ambassador for her hometown, the southern Russian resort city and Russia 2018 host city Rostov-on-Don, which will host five matches at this summer’s World Cup.
The Miss Russia 2003 winner was on hand to greet United fans on their Europa League trip to the city in March 2017, where her ‘Gentlefan’ initiative saw away fans handed blankets.
The initiative was repeated for United’s Champions League game versus CSKA Moscow, as well as for games involving English Premier League sides Liverpool and Arsenal in the Russian capital.
READ MORE: ‘Heartwarming ahead of World Cup!’ – Arsenal fans react to ‘Russian warm welcome’ gesture