Ex-Real Madrid and Everton star Royston Drenthe, 38, rushed to hospital after suffering stroke
FORMER Real Madrid and Everton star Royston Drenthe was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.
The 38-year-old, a renowned bad boy in his heyday, had the serious medical setback on Friday.
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Royston Drenthe was rushed to hospital after suffering a strokeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Drenthe turned out for Real Madrid and Everton in a glittering club careerCredit: Getty
He was immediately taken to the emergency room after falling ill.
But it is unclear what condition ex-Toffee Drenthe is in, or what sparked his stroke.
However, the Dutch ace is said to be in “good hands”, with docs taking “good care” of him.
And medical staff are also hopeful of a “smooth recovery.”
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A statement from FC De Rebellen, a club for “the most rebellious, versatile and controversial former footballers from the Netherlands and Belgium”, read: “Last Friday, Royston Drenthe suffered a stroke.
“Drenthe is currently being taken good care of and is in good hands. The team and those involved are hoping for a smooth recovery.
“Royston’s family is asking for peace and privacy during this period so they can provide him with the support and space he needs for his recovery.”
Fans were quick to send their best wishes to Drenthe online.
One said: “Stay strong friend, we’re thinking of you.”
Another declared: “Good luck, praying for you.”
Drenthe has spent time working as a pundit on Dutch TVCredit: Getty
One noted: “Strength for those close to you.”
Another added: “Wow what a shock, wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Drenthe burst into the football scene as a young left-sider, starring at Feyenoord before joining Real Madrid in 2007.
He played 65 times and won a LaLiga title during his time in Spain.
Drenthe later spent the 2011/12 season on loan at Everton, playing in 27 games for the Toffees.
He also had spells in England with Reading and Sheffield Wednesday before bouncing between clubs.
Drenthe, who only played once for Holland, ended his career in 2023.
He has since enjoyed stints as a pundit on Dutch and Spanish TV, and most recently was working as a health worker.
Drenthe also previously tried his hand as a rap artist and once opened his own clothing store.
But he ended up declaring bankruptcy in 2020 after revealing how he lost millions on parties, holidays, fast cars and women.
Drenthe said: “I felt like a god at Real Madrid, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and I am proud of it.
“But I also liked to party hard in this world of glitter and glamour. I used to drink a lot even though I had to train the next day.
“In my first year with them I earned £1.4million, and received another £430,000 as a signing-on bonus.
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“But I am not a rich man. I squandered the money on holidays and nice cars.
“Women have also been a very big reason for the money disappearing.”
