Ex-Premier League star diagnosed with MND as club release heartbreaking statement

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Former Sheffield Wednesday star Petter Rudi has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Norwegian club Molde, where the former midfielder now works, have released a statement to announce the sad news.

Rudi, 52, made 89 appearances for Wednesday between 1997 and 2000, scoring 10 goals. He also had stints with Belgian sides Gent, Lokeren and Beerschot and Austrian side Austria Wien, as well as his boyhood club Molde, who released the news on Monday.

"We at Molde Football Club are deeply affected by the fact that our former midfielder, both in Molde and for the Norwegian national team – and current scout at the club – Petter Rudi, is affected by the serious muscle disease ALS," the club said in a statement.

The Owls wrote: "Everyone at Sheffield Wednesday sends their love and support to our former player Petter Rudi and his family, following his ALS diagnosis."

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ALS is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common type of motor neurone disease (MND). The disease, which destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, does not have a cure.

"This is a very sad message that affects us deeply," said Molde chief executive Vegard Storvik. "Petter has worked at the club for many years. He is close to us in everyday life, and is working committedly on the football strategy we are now building at Molde Football Club.

"I have had many nice conversations with Petter. It makes a strong impression to experience both his openness and the strength he shows in the face of something so serious.

"At the same time, I feel a great humility – and gratitude – that he, despite a demanding situation, finds it meaningful and still wants to contribute and be an important part of everyday life at Molde Football Club.

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"At Molde Football Club we often talk about 'we'. Now it means more than ever. The MFK family is a big WE – a community that carries when life is at its most challenging. Now is the time to stand close together around Petter, one of our biggest profiles, with care, strength and warmth.

"The dedication, loyalty and pride he has given throughout his entire life for football and for the club is something we have all had the opportunity to take part in – and now it is our turn to give something back, in the form of support, care, unity and belonging."

Rudi made 46 appearances for Norway between 1995 and 2006, scoring three goals. He won the Norwegian Cup twice with Molde and the Austrian Bundesliga with Wien.