Hull City icon Dean Windass breaks silence after dementia diagnosis

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Former Hull City striker Dean Windass, 55, has spoken out after it was confirmed that he has been diagnosed with dementia. The news was initially publicly shared by ex-Manchester United player David May on BBC Breakfast.

"I asked Deano how he is," May said. "He's been diagnosed with Stage 2 dementia. He's the same age as me and he's worried sick of how it's going to be in the future for him."

Taking to Twitter later, May confirmed that he had Windass' blessing to discuss his condition, tweeting: "FYI I spoke to @DWindass10 last night and asked his permission. He was 100 per cent behind me mentioning that he had been diagnosed with stage 2 dementia.

"Deano has just done an article for a national newspaper which will be published soon.. Share the love." Windass' condition was not previously in the public domain.

The Hull City icon himself wrote online: "Seriously I am ok was delighted to find out I had a brain [dancing person, smiley face, football, and thumbs up emojis] just hope other families get the help what they want for the people they have lost [prayer hands emoji]".

Windass, who netted the iconic goal that propelled his childhood club Hull City into the Premier League during the 2008 Wembley playoff final, endorsed May's tweets by retweeting them. He also received and shared messages of support from fans.

One read: "I'm so sorry to hear that Deano. My mum had Alzheimer's and vascular dementia." The supportive message added: "Keep doing what you're doing mate, stay active body and mind my friend and of course you've got the Yorkshire grit, fighting spirit and great support.", reports the Mirror.

Windass played more than 270 times for City, scoring 89 goals, including the famous one at Wembley. He also represented Bradford City, Middlesbrough, Oxford United, Sheffield United, and others in a long and distinguished playing career.

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