Tony Adams, Former Arsenal Captain, Reveals Minor Heart Surgery 'Saved' His Life

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams confirmed he recently underwent minor heart surgery, saying the procedure saved his life after he suffered chest pains. 

Joe Strange of the MailOnline reported the Gunners icon felt ill while exercising at home in Azerbaijan, where he is Qabala FK's director of football, and was rushed to a hospital by medics to go under the knife.

Adams recalled his ordeal, saying:

"

After feeling some acute chest pain whilst exercising in Azerbaijan, and liaising with Gabala Club doctors, I went to The Medical Plaza Hospital in Baku where I was admitted for an angiogram, and then following diagnosis of a severely blocked vein, an immediate angioplasty.

The brilliant surgeons at the Medical Plaza did a fantastic job—as has been reiterated to me by my cardiologist in the UK. I know full well that without the brilliance of Dr. Uzeyir Rahimov and his team I would not be alive now: a minor heart operation saved my life.

"

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The former Arsenal skipper also thanked the hospital's cardiac unit for the care and attention they gave the former defender, per Strange, and encouraged those with existing chest pain and family heart disease to see a doctor immediately.

Adams has been involved with football in Azerbaijan since 2010, helping the sport grow through his profile and coaching. 

The former England player is now recuperating back in the UK after undergoing the procedure, per the Press Association (h/t Eurosport).

Arsenal wished their former player well via social media:

Adams managed Qabala for an 18-month spell until 2011, after spells coaching Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth. 

He spent his entire playing career at Highbury, representing the Gunners for 22 years. He won the Premier League on three occasions, won the FA Cup three times and achieved European honours in the Cup Winners' Cup, per Strange.

Angioplasty patients often return to work after a week of rest, according to the National Health Service, but a more serious event can see the individual spend weeks or months in recovery.