Liverpool, Swansea and Cardiff have wished their former striker John Toshack well following reports that he has been in intensive care in a Barcelona hospital.
According to Spain’s El Diario Vasco, the 72-year-old was hospitalised on Monday due to severe pneumonia after contracting coronavirus and since Saturday has been on a ventilator.
Jeremy Charles heads clear from Willie Young, watched by Swansea's captain John Toshack (far left) during the football league cup 2nd-round match against Arsenal at Highbury.
PA
Toshack played for Cardiff prior to his hugely successful spell in the 1970s with Liverpool, and was then player-manager of Swansea.
The Reds posted on Twitter on Sunday afternoon: “The thoughts of everyone at #LFC are with John Toshack and his family. Keep fighting, John.”
Cardiff tweeted earlier in the day: “Keep fighting, Big John. Sending all of our love and best wishes to you and the family.”
Swansea posted: “The thoughts of everyone at Swansea City are with John Toshack and his family. We are all with you. Keep fighting.”
John Toshack (left) during his time as manager of Wales, with Ryan Giggs.
Nick Potts
The former Wales international spent five years with Cardiff before moving to Liverpool, who he subsequently helped win a glut of trophies including three league titles, two UEFA Cups and an FA Cup, in 1970.
He scored 96 goals for the Merseyside outfit and formed a lethal partnership with Kevin Keegan.
Toshack transferred to Swansea in 1978 as player-manager and oversaw their rise through the Football League with three promotions in four seasons.
The management career that followed included two stints in charge of Real Madrid and Wales.
Real posted their own message of support on Twitter, writing: “Real Madrid, its president and its board of directors wish to send a message of support and affection to our dear John Benjamin Toshack, who we send courage and strength to in these moments.”