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Seve thanks the hospital that saved his life

Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Josh Antmann
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An emotional Seve announces his retirement from golf at the 2007 Open Championship. Ballesteros retires having won 5 major championships and 49 European Tour events. Photo: Getty Images

Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros has thanked the hospital which saved his life after undergoing four operations to remove a brain tumour.

The La Paz hospital in Madrid released a statement saying that Ballesteros will remain in treatment at its outpatient clinic.

Ballesteros paid tribute to the hospital staff who looked after him during his time there. “During these two long months in hospital I wish to thank the doctors as well as the people in charge of the Intensive Care Unit and the second floor at La Paz," said Ballesteros on his official website.

"Occasionally I was a rebel patient and therefore I ask them to forgive me and thank everyone for all the care received."

He added: "Doctors, nurses and porters will always mean so much to me. Even more than simply carers of a sick person. They are like members of my own family.”

Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumour after losing consciousness at Madrid airport on the 6th October. He required urgent attention in which a large part of the tumour was removed. Further operations eased the swelling and inserted a valve into the Spaniard’s brain.

"After the four surgeries I have undergone I would like to emphasise the efficiency and humanity of the neurosurgeons,” said Ballesteros.

"They are excellent professionals and unique as human beings. Thanks to them I will be able to play the mulligan of my life which I expect to enjoy at my best."