Tottenham great Gary Mabbutt 'in stable condition' after heart surgery

Gary Mabbutt is in a stable condition after undergoing heart surgery, Tottenham have confirmed.

The 55-year-old former Spurs captain was admitted to hospital on Monday with chest pains and breathlessness.

The club for which he is currently an ambassador have said the surgery was successful and he is now recovering.

Mabbutt made over 600 appearances for Tottenham at centre-back between 1982 and 1998, and lifted the UEFA Cup in 1984 and the FA Cup as skipper in 1991.

And the former England international did it all while playing with diabetes and having to inject himself with insulin.

The Bristol-born defender retired from the game in 1998 after suffering a broken leg during the 1996/97 season.

Mabbutt was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a 17-year-old, and was once told by doctors he could not continue playing, but went on to enjoy a 16-year career.

Two years ago, he talked to Diabetes.co.uk about the time he almost lost his leg because of a blocked artery.