Jimmy Greaves is facing a long, hard road to recovery according to a statement released by his wife Irene.

The Chelsea and Tottenham legend, 75, suffered a stroke on Sunday and is now in intensive care in hospital.

Greaves, who scored a remarkable 44 goals in 57 appearances for England in the 1960s, now faces a tough and lengthy rehabilitation process.

The statement from Irene Greaves read: "Jimmy is having to do what he is told, and understands the seriousness of what has happened to him. It is going to be a long, slow road to recovery and he is in the best possible hands.

"On behalf of Jimmy and our family, We would like to thank the many thousands of you who have voiced your support and concern. We would greatly appreciate it if the media would allow us privacy for what is going to be a long period of rehabilitation."

Greaves enjoyed a stellar career as a striker, scoring a club-record 266 goals in 379 outings for Spurs, after supplying first club Chelsea with 132 goals.