Former Aberdeen striker Dean Windass has been diagnosed with dementia.
His condition was revealed by former Manchester United defender David May on BBC Breakfast as the European Cup winner discussed the concerns growing around the brain disease and footballers being especially susceptible in later life. Windass, 55, is suffering from stage 2 of the disease, which results in mild cognitive decline and memory loss.
May clarified that he had been given permission by Windass to disclose his news, which he revealed on live TV, saying: “I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer. I asked Deano how he is. He’s been diagnosed with stage 2 dementia. He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”
Windass also posted a video to social media, saying: “Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people.” The Hull native, who fired his boyhood club to Premier League promotion with a stunning volley in the 2008 Playoff Final at Wembley.
Stuart Dougal shows Dean Windass a red card
He began his career with the Tigers, but headed north to join the Dons in a £700,000 deal in December 1995 with Hull in financial difficulty. During his two-and-a-half year spell at Pittodrie, Windass managed to get himself sent off three times in one game against Dundee Utd. He left Aberdeen for Oxford Utd in July 1998.
May went on to share concerns for his own health and what his life might look like in the future. He added: “Over my career, I probably headed the football about 20,000 times in total. It’s only coming to light now. I’d like to know where I’ll be in ten years’ time, will I have the care from the governing bodies, PFA, for funding that these families are not currently getting? It’s worrying. I’m worried, of course I am.”