The consultant looked at the scans. His analysis was quick, clear and brutal. ‘He told us, “Repetitive heading has caused this”,’ says Lynda Young, wife of Arsenal icon Willie.
The diagnosis followed. Willie Young, Arsenal’s often bloodied and bruised Scottish warrior, was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s at the age of 68. It did not come as much of a shock.
‘Umpteen broken noses, a broken cheek, concussion several times,’ says Lynda. She is speaking on Willie’s behalf but the couple are side by side.
The Scottish warrior was often seen bloodied and bruised after playing for the Gunners
Although he looks the picture of health, continues to play golf and hits the cross trainer under her instructions each day, Willie sometimes struggles to communicate, especially when not speaking face-to-face, and we are talking virtually due to Covid.