John Deehan, the former Aston Villa, West Brom, Norwich and Ipswich centre forward, has spent the last six years of his life battling a neurodegenerative disease.
Deehan's wife Linda has taken the decision to announce that her dear husband, now 64, was diagnosed with dementia at 58.
With the support of her family, Linda wanted the football world to know another one of its sons was struggling but says she does not want anyone who recognises John to be afraid of approaching him to talk the beautiful game.
John Deehan has spent the last six years of his life battling a neurodegenerative disease
'John has good days and bad days,' Linda says.