Ian Rush has revealed he feared the worst during his recent health scare, admitting he believed “this could be the end.”

Liverpool were given a sobering reminder this week that football is secondary to life itself, as one of the club’s greatest icons spoke openly about a deeply frightening personal episode.

Ian Rush, Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorer, has revealed he genuinely feared he might die after collapsing at home earlier this month. Speaking to BBC Sport, the 64-year-old described the ordeal that left him fighting for breath.

Rush was rushed to the Countess of Chester Hospital on December 11 and spent 48 hours in intensive care after contracting what doctors referred to as “superflu.”

“I honestly thought the worst — that this could be it,” he admitted. “I just couldn’t breathe.”

The former striker explained that his breathing deteriorated during the night, forcing his partner Carol to call an ambulance in the early hours. Although he initially seemed to stabilise after paramedics arrived, Rush collapsed again shortly after they left, prompting a second emergency call and an urgent hospital admission.

“It was absolutely terrifying,” he said. “I panicked because I couldn’t breathe, and I really thought that was the end.”

The health scare has clearly reshaped his outlook. After five days in hospital, Rush was eventually discharged, but not before confronting the reality of how serious the situation had been.

“It’s been a real wake-up call,” he added. “There are things I need to put in order now, just in case anything ever does happen.”

Those reflections carry even more weight given the emotional strain he has endured recently, following the loss of his brother Gerald, which came just days before the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

Rush had previously explained his absence from Jota’s funeral, describing the Portuguese forward as “one of the best natural finishers at the club” and “a true gentleman” who always gave everything for Liverpool.

That grief, combined with his recent health scare, has made his public appearances especially poignant. Despite everything, Rush confirmed the club has stood firmly by him, encouraging him to take all the time he needs.

“That’s when you realise Liverpool is a family club,” he said.

Since leaving hospital, messages of support have poured in from across the football world, highlighting the immense respect Rush commands beyond Anfield. He has since attended the World Sports Summit in Dubai and continues to serve on the jury for the Globe Soccer Awards, where a special In Memoriam honour was awarded to Diogo Jota.

Looking back on his career, Rush said he remains proud of what he achieved in a Liverpool shirt. With 346 goals to his name, he still stands clear of Roger Hunt and Mohamed Salah — a record that cements his legendary status.

“It gives me the motivation to keep going,” he said. “Being Liverpool’s record goalscorer makes me incredibly proud.”

His words serve as a powerful reminder that while trophies and results matter, the people who shape the club will always matter more.