CHEERS DOC

Last updated : 28 July 2003 By Editor
Ruud van Nistelrooy invited knee surgeon Richard Steadman to
the match last night to say thanks for the knee op that
saved his career:

"I was very happy to invite him here today with his
grandchildren and nephews. I was happy to score because he
was there too. It was a good day. I wanted to show him that
I am fit and I saw him after the game in the dressing room
and I just thanked him so much. I can't stop thanking him
for doing such a great job for me and getting my career back
on track.

"When you have an injury like that you hope that you can
play one day and don't think how good you can become. The
only thing I thought was I want to play at it doesn't matter
at what level. I want to be able to play football again, I
want to be able to walk normal again, those things go
through your mind."