Former Blues Midfielder on Life Support

Blues centre, 26 year old Matt Johnson, is currently on life support after undergoing open-heart surgery.

Johnson suffered from a bout of rheumatic fever when he was just 13. It was serious enough to have almost claimed his life.

However, after surgery, he made what seemed to be a full recovery, becoming a professional athlete in the process.

Unfortunately, the disease recently reared its head again, necessitating Johnson’s second heart operation.

“I then had my annual check-up - and they found there was a leakage again. That was unexpected. I was hoping I would have 15 years from the first [valve]. But it was cut down short to 10.” Johnson said.