'I went to meet my maker' - Doctors had to 'reboot' Stuart Pearce's heart after terrifying plane episode as England icon speaks out on his condition for the first time

The 61-year-old, who had been in the United States to watch Warrington Wolves take on Wigan Warriors in a rugby league bout in Las Vegas, suffered from severe chest pains while in the air. As his condition worsened, Virgin Atlantic cabin crew took immediate action, providing him with medical assistance before deciding to divert the plane to St John's, Canada, to ensure he received urgent hospital care. Despite the ordeal, he appeared in good spirits when speaking about the incident and even managed to joke about Arsenal legend Martin Keown.

Speaking to Jim White and Simon Jordan on talkSPORT on Tuesday, Pearce reflected on the life-threatening situation with a sense of humour. He quipped: "[I feel] absolutely brilliant, I went to meet my maker last week and it wasn't God, it was actually Lord Jordan sitting in his seat that I actually had to meet, but he said, 'Your time is not up big fella,' and he sent me away. So in all seriousness, I'm in good form, on the flight I had chest pains and stuff like that, the crew on Virgin were brilliant, they took care of me fantastically and then said, 'Look, we're not going to take the chance travelling across the Atlantic, we're going to drop you off'.

"So we're down in St John's, Newfoundland, and have been here for ten days now I think, five days in hospital and just a few days out of hospital. The only downside is our bags went on to London and the only thing that we were left with was actually Martin Keown's autobiography. You know when things can't get any worse, you're stuck with Keown's autobiography for the duration."

Doctors later informed Pearce that his condition was caused by a viral infection that had impacted his heart. While he has recovered well, further medical check-ups await him upon his return to England.

"I just got a virus, I had a virus that just sort of attached itself to my heart that just needed clearing, rebooting and going through the process I think," he said.

"So it was ridiculous really, also my heart wasn't pumping enough blood around the system by all accounts and some swelling, so they give me medication for the first few days just to get that down. At the end of the week on Friday, they said, 'Look, we're going to stick a tube down your throat, if there's no swelling around your heart, we'll stop your heart and reboot you again'.

"So from what we gather, when I get home I obviously will have some medical checks there and go and see my GP and one or two other things I'm sure. But I feel brilliant in myself and have done since mid-last week to be honest with you, but I'm in really good hands. The people in the hospital have been magnificent, the people in Canada are fantastic as well and Carol, listen she looks after me on a daily basis anyway. So I'm really good, and from my point of view, fantastic."

Back home in England, fans of Nottingham Forest and Manchester City showed their support for Pearce during their Premier League clash on Saturday. A minute’s applause was held at the City Ground, with supporters chanting 'Psycho', the nickname he earned during his playing career. A large message on the stadium screen read: "Get well soon, Stuart," while several banners of support were seen in the stands.

Touched by the gesture, Pearce said: "The Forest game against Man City was very, very humbling, I saw that and the bits and pieces that come out from that and thank you for your two messages and everybody else that sent messages of support, it is very, very humbling."

While the incident was alarming, Pearce remains optimistic about his health and is eager to return home to England. However, despite his willingness to return home, his travel has been delayed as he awaits medical clearance.

"The insurers are just looking to organise flights at the moment. I need a medical chaperone, so I've been told, to come with us, so they're just organising that. So over the next day or so, hopefully," he said.