Dominic Matteo was taken ill earlier this weak with a brain tumour and was reportedly in intensive care, the former defender has since undergone a successful operation to remove the tumour and is said to be out of intensive care and recovering well.
During his playing days, Matteo was known for his dynamic and effective defensive style, operating in either central defence or in left-back, even playing some minutes as a midfielder later on in his career.
Born in Dumfries- Scotland, in April 1974, Matteo started as a schoolboy at Liverpool ten years later and he eventually entered the first team set-up in 1993 against Manchester City.
He became a first team regular for the Reds and enjoyed many successful years, that was until an offer was made for his services by Leeds United, who themselves were on an upward spiral under David O’Leary and were making an assault on both the Premier League and Champions League.
Dominic Matteo joined Leeds United in August 2000 and instantly became a big hit with the fans in West Yorkshire as part of a team that came so close to success, especially in the Champions League where the Whites lost out to Valencia in the semi-finals.
During this European run, Matteo etched his name into Leeds United folk law when he scored against A.C Milan, a goal that would ensure the club progressed from the group stages and a goal that the fans still sing about on the terraces at Elland Road almost twenty years later.
Since Leeds United revealed the plight of the 45-year-old this morning, tributes have pored in from fans in from fans, former clubs and former playing colleagues in a touching show of solidarity with the former Liverpool, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City player.
Here are some of those tributes…
Thoughts with former Liverpool player Dominic Matteo who was taken seriously ill this week.
You'll Never Walk Alone ❤️https://t.co/H1WtASiPXN pic.twitter.com/oXTPVapL1X
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) November 16, 2019
💙💛 The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with our former captain @Dominicmatteo21 and his family after he was taken seriously ill earlier this week. Stay strong Dom! pic.twitter.com/6ORZlU86In
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 16, 2019
Thinking of Dom and his family. Everyone is praying that he will be fine 🙏🏻 https://t.co/9VzR6Id8JQ
— Ian Harte (@ianharte23) November 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/Robbie9Fowler/status/1195668444865187840?s=20
Sending my best wishes to my former teammate @Dominicmatteo21 ❤️👊🏽
Thinking of you & the family! pic.twitter.com/P3XN3AynhG— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 16, 2019
Get well soon, @Dominicmatteo21https://t.co/eJ3J9sdWlW
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 16, 2019
Thoughts are with the family and close friends of Dominic Matteo who underwent surgery on a brain tumour this week and has come out of intensive care. Wishing him a speedy recovery #footballfamily
— Nigel Quashie (@NigelQuashie1) November 16, 2019
Thoughts with @Dominicmatteo21 and his family ❤️ https://t.co/xNpJ6aumRn
— Ben Parker (@ben_parker19) November 16, 2019
We at The72 would also like to place on record our best wishes to Dominic and his family.
