England legend Stuart Pearce is recovering in a Canadian hospital after suffering a health emergency on a flight from Las Vegas to London.
The 62-year-old former defender was taken ill on a Virgin Atlantic flight last weekend, forcing the plane to divert to St John's.
His talkSPORT colleague Sam Matterface has provided a positive update on Pearce's condition.
"I spoke to him yesterday, he was in great spirits," Matterface said from the City Ground ahead of Saturday's match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
Stuart Pearce is doing okay, Sam Matterface revealed on talkSPORT
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Pearce had been in Las Vegas to watch the historic Super League match between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, the rugby league team he supports.
During the flight back to Heathrow, he reportedly suffered chest pains at 30,000 feet.
Cabin crew provided immediate treatment, hooking him up to a monitor before making the decision to divert the plane.
The Virgin Atlantic flight, carrying 255 passengers, departed Las Vegas at 8:45pm local time on Sunday.
It made an emergency landing in St John's, Canada, where Pearce was taken to hospital.
Matterface revealed that while Pearce is not fully recovered, he is receiving appropriate care.
"He isn't 100 per cent - that is definitely the case. But he's in the right place in the hospital. They're dealing with it," said Matterface.
The former defender is reportedly disappointed about missing upcoming events.
"He actually said to me, 'I've got so much I've had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can't go!'" Matterface added.
"He's in hospital playing Guess The Intro - so he's in good spirits."
Nottingham Forest paid tribute to Stuart Pearce during their match against Man City
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Fans at the City Ground paid tribute to Pearce during Saturday's match between his former clubs Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
A message reading "Get Well Soon Stuart" was displayed on the big screen.
Both sets of supporters joined in a minute's applause during the third minute of play, recognising Pearce's iconic number three shirt.
The gesture acknowledged Pearce's significant connections to both clubs, having made 401 appearances for Forest during a 12-year stint and later playing for and managing Manchester City.
Stuart Pearce has not coached since 2022 but often works with several broadcasters
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Pearce earned 78 caps for England during his illustrious international career from 1987 to 1999.
He famously scored in the penalty shoot-out against Spain at Euro 96, with his celebration becoming one of the tournament's defining images.
The London-born defender was awarded an OBE in 1999 for his footballing prowess and charity work.
His last role in football was as part of David Moyes' coaching staff at West Ham United, which he left in 2022 to pursue other interests.
