‘‘It was a major heart attack,’’ said Stiles, who lives in Manchester. ‘‘It was about 9pm and I could feel these pains. My wife and daughter took me to hospital.

‘‘I was in hospital for a week, which meant I was able to watch a lot of the World Cup matches.

‘‘I’m absolutely super now. I feel great and am okay, touch wood. I weigh the same today as I did when I played.’’

Stiles, who helped England to victory in the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany, paid tribute to the staff and nurses at Trafford General Hospital in Manchester where he was treated.

‘‘They were super and really looked after me,’’ he said.

Stiles said despite being told to rest, he still watched England’s match with Brazil on Friday.

‘‘I was delighted with how England played in the competition,’’ he added. ‘‘I think they played really well.’’