Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has spoken publicly about his stage 2 dementia diagnosis during an emotional appearance on Good Morning Britain.
The 56-year-old opened up about his condition on Wednesday morning's programme.
Windass's diagnosis was initially revealed in January by ex-Manchester United defender David May, who shared the news with permission.
Following May's announcement, Windass had briefly addressed his situation on social media, writing: "Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people."
Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has spoken publicly about his stage 2 dementia diagnosis during an emotional appearance on Good Morning Britain
GMB
Speaking on GMB, Windass recalled the moment he received his diagnosis.
"They rang me up and said they had the results. I said, 'Why can't you tell me on the phone?'" he explained.
"They said they wanted to do it over a zoom, so I panicked then."
His fiancee Kerry helped set up the call where doctors delivered the news.
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Dean Windass admitted to being 'scared' following his dementia diagnosis
GMB
"They said, right, this is your diagnosis, it's very mild, there's nothing to worry about, it could be five to 10 years that it could develop to bigger stages," Windass said.
"So it wasn't the news that I wanted. I was scared, of course I was."
Windass revealed he had kept his diagnosis private for over a year to protect his loved ones.
"The reason I didn't come out and speak about it a year and a half ago is because my oldest son is a professional footballer, my youngest son was a professional footballer," he explained.
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"I didn't want my mum to worry, I didn't want my kids to worry."
He admitted that when asked about his condition by his fiancee Kerry, he typically responds: "I'm fine, I'm alright."
Windass enjoyed a successful football career, playing in the Premier League for his boyhood club Hull City, as well as Bradford and Middlesbrough.
He is best remembered for scoring what many consider the most famous goal in play-off history.
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His stunning volley at Wembley in 2008 secured Hull City's promotion to the Premier League.
The iconic strike remains a defining moment in both his career and Hull City's history.
Partner Kelly Kehoe admitted she hadn't noticed any major changes in Windass before his tests.
"I never noticed anything prior to the scan and we didn't really think too much about it," she said.
Dean Windass scored over 200 goals during his playing daysPA"And when we got the results we buried our heads in the sand, didn't we?"
Windass attempted to make light of the situation despite the serious diagnosis.
"We had a bit of a laugh and joke about it," he said.
"I said, well, it was a bad day but it was a good day because they found a brain! They found my brain! I was absolutely delighted!"
