Stuart Pearce has been discharged from hospital in Canada after an eight-day stay following a serious heart condition that struck during a transatlantic flight.
The former England defender, 62, is now planning his return to the UK as he continues his recovery.
Pearce appeared on talkSPORT today, revealing details of his health battle after falling ill on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow.
The football pundit required emergency medical intervention when his heart began racing at an alarming rate.
Stuart Pearce has been discharged from hospital in Canada after an eight-day stay following a serious heart condition that struck during a transatlantic flight
PA
Speaking live on air, Pearce described the frightening incident: "On the flight I had chest pains, so the crew on Virgin were brilliant and looked after me fantastically."
The father-of-two began sweating profusely and struggling with acute pain on Flight VS156 from Las Vegas.
First aiders treated Pearce as his partner watched helplessly.
The decision was made to divert the flight to St John's on Newfoundland where the former defender was helped off the plane.
The remaining 225 passengers continued to Heathrow, arriving six hours later than scheduled.
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Stuart Pearce has revealed he's ready to return to the UK following his recent health scare
PA
Pearce revealed the severity of his condition: "My heart rate was racing, my resting heart race was anything above 155 bpm so that was ridiculous, really."
"My heart wasn't pumping enough blood around the system and had some swelling," he explained.
The medical team took decisive action: "At the end of the week, on Friday, they said we'll stick a tube down your throat, if there's no swelling around your heart we'll stop your heart and reboot again and that's exactly what they did."
"My heart went back to a normal rate and I left the next day."
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Despite his ordeal, Pearce added: "I feel brilliant in myself and have done since probably mid last week to be quite honest with you."
"I'm in really good hands. The people in the hospital have been magnificent," he added.
The 62-year-old is now arranging his journey home with assistance.
"My insurers are looking at how to get me home to the UK," he explained, noting he requires a "medical chaperone".
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When asked about his return timeline, Pearce said: "Over the next day or so, hopefully."
Fans have rallied around the hardman defender, nicknamed Psycho, since news broke of his health scare.
During Saturday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, supporters stood for a round of applause in the third minute, honouring Pearce who wore the number '3'.
Pearce has been able to follow football during his recovery, with the former England star admitting he was left emotional by the support he received at the weekend.
Stuart Pearce has revealed he's found the support he's received 'very humbling' following his recent health scare
PA
"I've been fortunate enough to watch a few games - the Forest game against Man City was very humbling," he said.
"Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support."
Pearce had been flying home after watching Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in Las Vegas, the first rugby league Super League match in the US.
