Pat Jennings, 78, looks in fine form as Tottenham legend unveils his statue back in Northern Ireland, less than 48 hours on from release from hospital after he collapsed at Spurs vs Chelsea
- Pat Jennings was taken to hospital after collapsing on Monday evening
- On Wednesday, the former Spurs goalkeeper unveiled a statue of himself
- CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a CLOWN – It’s All Kicking Off
Former Tottenham goalkeeper, Pat Jennings, was photographed on Wednesday unveiling a statue of himself in Northern Ireland, just days after the 78-year-old was rushed to hospital after he collapsed on Monday.
Mail Sport reported that the Northern Ireland legend, who was in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch Spurs take on Chelsea, had taken ill ahead of kick off.
On Wednesday, the Northern Ireland national football team posted a picture of Jennings pointing at the effigy of himself on X (formerly Twitter), writing ‘One word: Legend. Pat Jennings unveils his statue in Newry this afternoon.’
Jennings looked in fine form during the ceremony as he admired the bronze effigy of him that had been erected on Kildare Street, in the city of Newry.
Positively, Mail Sport also understands that Jennings was said to be feeling better after being taken to hospital on Monday. He was released shortly after midnight, with Tottenham confirming he had undergone ‘precautionary tests’.
Pat Jennings was pictured on Wednesday unveiling a statue of himself, just days after he was rushed to hospital after he collapsed on Monday
The image was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the Northern Ireland national football team’s account
The 78-year-old had taken ill before Spurs’ heated clash against Chelsea on Monday and was rushed to hospital for ‘precautionary tests’
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The club had also confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that Jennings had been given the ‘all-clear to attend his statue unveiling in his hometown of Newry, Northern Ireland’.
A spokesperson from the Friends of Big Pat Group, established in honour of the former Newry City goalkeeper, confirmed on Tuesday that Jennings was ‘looking forward’ to the event and added that he had been resting up ahead of the ceremony.
‘Pat Jennings’ Statue unveiling will proceed as planned,’ it said.
‘On Behalf of the friends of Big Pat Committee I would like to inform everyone that this wonderful occasion of the official unveiling of his Statue Wednesday 8th November at Kildare Street Newry will proceed as planned.
‘Yesterday evening Pat was feeling unwell as reported in the media however he would like to assure his many well wishers and fans that he is ok to continue,’ the statement read.
‘After some further rest today he is looking forward to unveiling his statue in his home city of Newry Northern Ireland,’ it added.
The group had raised more than £100,000 to buy and erect the statue.
Jennings had spoken to Mail Sport earlier in November, where he reflected on his career and spoke on the statue, claiming that his hands ‘were not as big as people keep saying’.
Tottenham released a statement on Tuesday confirming Jennings had been taken to hospital and had ‘undergone precautionary tests’
The statue depicts Jennings throwing a football while wearing a Northern Ireland top
The Northern Ireland legend made 472 appearances for Tottenham between 1964 to 1977
Jennings (L) also won 119 caps for his national side and played in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups
Jennings, who won 119 caps for Northern Ireland, started his footballing journey with Shamrock Rovers, before going on to play for Newry City.
He’d move to Watford in 1963 before going on to enjoy spells with Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton.
The Northern Ireland legend made 550 appearances for Spurs across a 13-year stay at the club, before crossing the north London divide to join Arsenal in 1977.
While winning five major trophies for Spurs and Arsenal during his domestic career, Jennings also played for Northern Ireland during the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
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