Sad news as Sheffield Wednesday's former Premier League midfielder Petter Rudi is diagnosed with ALS
There was some sad news from Norway this morning after it was announced that former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, Petter Rudi, had been diagnosed with ALS.
Rudi, a national team player for Norway during his playing days, spent three years with the Owls between 1997 and 2000, turning out 89 times for the club and scoring 10 goals prior to his departure. After hanging up his boots he returned to his first club, Molde, and today they released the tragic news of his diagnosis.
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a tragic and fatal neurodegenerative disease, and the club has explained that he’ll be taking time to try and slow down its progression. He will, however, continue to contribute at Molde.
A statement from the Norwegian outfit by CEO, Vegard Storvik, read, “At the request of, and in consultation with, Petter and his family, we are releasing this information. 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.
“This is a very sad message that affects us deeply. 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. The club has had a close and good dialogue with Petter recently.
“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. Petter has gained unique expertise throughout his life in football, and contributes to the best interests of the club in scouting, talent and football development.
“While Petter's own focus is on taking care of his family and slowing the progression of the disease, he will continue to contribute to Molde Football Club achieving its ambitions and strategies back towards the top of Norwegian football.
“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.
“The entire Molde Football Club would like to express its support and condolences to Petter and his loved ones during a very difficult time. Petter and his family ask for peace during this difficult time. It is our strong wish that they not be contacted or mentioned beyond this message.”