<
>

Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo stable after suspected heart attack

Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo is in a stable condition after suffering a suspected heart attack on Saturday evening.

Novo, 38, was featuring for Rangers in the AOK Traditionsmasters 2018 in Berlin when he was taken ill after they had been knocked out of the round-robin event.

PA Sport reported that he was rushed to hospital from the Max-Schmeling-Halle arena before undergoing emergency surgery.

Rangers have now confirmed that Novo, who played at Ibrox between 2004 and 2010, is in a stable condition.

The club tweeted on Sunday night: "The club can confirm that Nacho Novo took ill after playing in Berlin yesterday. He was admitted to hospital and is in a stable condition.

"Everyone at the club wishes Nacho a speedy recovery."

On Saturday morning Novo, who last played for Northern Irish side Glentoran, posted a picture on Instagram of him sharing a prematch coffee with teammate Michael Mols, with Gordon Durie, Alex Rae, Andy Goram and Jorg Albertz also playing for Rangers.

The Scottish club lost both of their round-robin games, though Novo was on the scoresheet several times according to the tournament's official website.

Northern Irish side Glentoran, who released Novo in May, tweeted: "Best wishes to our former player @nnovo1010 for a swift and full recovery in hospital in Berlin after taking ill after playing in a masters tournament yesterday. Speedy recovery Nacho."