Former Manchester United left-back Colin Gibson has announced that he has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
The 62-year-old, who played for United between 1985 and 1990, ahead of joining Leicester City, was in his late 50s when his wife - Kim - became concerned. However, it is not until now that he has decided to publicly reveal his diagnosis.
Gibson, who could also operate as a midfielder, has made the decision to confirm his diagnosis so that people understand if he is sometimes lost for words. He also wants to encourage other former players to get help if they are experiencing similar problems.
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"My wife, family and I believe this is the right time to let supporters know," said Gibson. "I am fit and well and able to do most things that I enjoy.
"Sometimes you get yourself into a slightly embarrassing position where you completely forget something and you haven't got an answer and can't find the words. It felt logical to make the statement.
"At least people around us can then understand."
Gibson, who was officially diagnosed with the disease in November last year, highlights that the problem is now affecting players from the 1980s and 90s, plus those who played during the 'old leather ball' era of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad. As well as that, a study carried out by the University of Glasgow has discovered that defenders are five times more likely to suffer from dementia than the general population.
Gibson, who was a European Cup winner with Aston Villa before joining United, continued: "It's something I think needs to be revealed. "It's the 40th anniversary of winning the European Cup.
"We're going to be in a big hall, a big dinner, meeting people. I don't want to be hiding things from that. The more we know about it, the more we learn, the more we can help.
"Footballers can be secretive. They don't want people to get inside of their private lives and this is private.
"[But] there is plenty of support out there. Don't be ashamed, don't hide behind this masculine sort of facade. At least then you can understand it, get medical help and support. It happens to us and it'll continue to happen."
Although dementia cannot be cured, Gibson has vowed to "not go down without a fight."
"Anybody, any slightest doubt, get sorted, get tested," he said. "As a footballer, you don't like to show weakness to your opponents.
"Unfortunately this is not comfortable for a lot of footballers, or sportspeople, or anybody, to be fair. We've got our certain kind of pride.
"The reason we're doing this is to make more people aware. If we can help just one person, it's worth it."
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