Robson: I couldn't stand after brain tumour
Bobby Robson has admitted surgery on a brain tumour left him unable to stand up and claims he feared for his future in football.
The former England manager, 73, underwent an operation in August which also left him without the use of his left arm and the Ireland assistant coach admits he still feels the effects of the treatment.
Speaking publicly for the first time after resuming his role alongside Steve Staunton, he said: “I knew from a health point of view that I was not going to be in the best situation.
“I knew how much I wanted to come back but also realised there was a chance I couldn’t. I did not want to retire. I have been involved in football for over 50 years and I want a few more in it yet.
“I knew that I had a fight on my hands but it was one that I had to try to win. I am three quarters of the way there now and I want to get back to 100%.”
He added: “I could not even stand up and I could not move my left arm. Even now, if I lift me left arm 10 times I am tired.
“I have neuro-physiotherapy every day. It takes an amazing amount of energy to fight back. I have basically had to regenerate my brain to teach my arm and leg to work again.
“But I have got my speech and I still feel competent in my head.”
The Irish do not have another game until the new year when they travel to San Marino, but the former Newcastle manager is adamant the time is right for him to return to work.
He said: “I just knew I had to come back now because I knew it would be good for me.
“The reason I took this job with the Republic of Ireland was to have another couple of years in the game at the top level.”
