Rangers star Connor Goldson opens up on life-threatening heart condition and surgery
In an effort to encourage fans to learn CPR, the Rangers and the British Heart Foundation have partnered, and Connor Goldson of the squad has opened up about his life-threatening illness and heart surgery.
In an effort to encourage fans to learn CPR, Rangers star Connor Goldson has shared details about his heart surgery and life-threatening illness with the British Heart Foundation.
At the age of 24, the defender was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, which means that the major artery that runs through his belly was bloated and in danger of rupturing, which may have disastrous results.
He underwent surgery to repair it, which was successful, leaving a large scar across his chest – which is now covered by a tattoo which reads ‘Chase your Dreams’, marking a critical moment in his life.
During an interview with the British Heart Foundation, Connor opened up about his diagnosis. The 31-year-old said: “Truthfully, I’ve never really spoken about it openly because it was a difficult time, but I also felt fortunate that I was able to continue playing, so I’ve never really wanted sympathy.”
Connor was diagnosed during a routine scan after signing with Brighton & Hove Albion – agreeing the only reason he would’ve known is through the sport.
Discussing the scar and players’ reactions, he said: “I don’t see it anymore, it’s just part of me, part of my body.
“It looks nice. I like it because it shows what I’ve been through. The only thing, obviously, with a scar, is when you are in the showers here people ask questions.
“Basically, if I wanted play football, I had to have it done, there was no ifs or buts”.
After six years since his operation, Connor felt it was the right time to open up about his diagnosis as the Rangers Charity Foundation announced the British Heart Foundation as its new charity partner for the 2023/24 season.
At just 24, Connor bounced back from the operation on 30 March, and was back in preseason just four months later, in July.
However, a lot has changed since then, he continued. The highlights of my life are my two children, whom I married and now have. In retrospect, football was my top priority. I still adore the game and my career, and I hope to play it for a very long time. However, my family and kids come first now.
In an effort to inspire as many fans as possible to learn lifesaving CPR using the charity’s free online training resource, RevivR, the squad has teamed up with the BHF.
“The BHF do an amazing job, and I’m happy to help in any way,” Connor remarked.
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