Sunderland legend leaves hospital

BBC
Monday, 26 March 2007, 15:04 GMT 16:04 UK

Sunderland legend Ian Porterfield has left hospital after receiving
treatment for cancer of the colon.
Porterfield, 61, goalscoring hero of the 1973 FA Cup final win over Leeds, is
recovering at his home in Armenia where he is coach of the national side.
Porterfield, who also managed Chelsea, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "The calls
and messages from all over are amazing.
"I can’t believe how much kindness there has been towards me. It’s made me
proud and also I feel very humble."
He added: "What can I say about Sunderland? They have always been the best. I
have always loved them with all my heart since I joined in 1967. They are my
team!"
Porterfield went into hospital for checks a few weeks ago after complaining
of pains in his pelvic area, and tests revealed the tumour.
He had to decide whether to return to Britain for treatment, travel to
America or stay in Armenia and in the end decided to stay in Armenia because
of a lack of time.
"The decision I made was the right one," said Porterfield, who has also
managed Rotherham, Sheffield United, Aberdeen and Reading.
"If I had decided to travel for the treatment it probably would have been too
late and I would never have made it through."
Fans have been inundating Sunderland’s official website to pass on their
messages to the Scotsman, who remains a hero on Wearside because of that FA
Cup win – the club’s last major honour.
Porterfield has asked the BBC to pass on his thanks to those who have been
in touch.