It was a phonecall from his brother that changed everything for Simon Jordan. One conversation that set in motion a train of events that led him here, to this interview. It's an unusual one for the sports pages because he's not here alone, he's with his surgeon. The man who saved his life.
And now, after 'substantial surgery', the former Crystal Palace owner has something important to say - and he's not afraid to say it.
One would expect nothing less. Jordan is one of sport's most forthright and respected voices, whether in his weekly column in these pages or on his hugely popular TalkSport show with Jim White.