Former Manchester United striker Andrew Cole has withdrawn from an upcoming charity match at Old Trafford and revealed he has been suffering from kidney failure.

The 44-year-old, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during a trophy-laden spell with United, said he is not well enough to play in the UNICEF Match for Children, which will take place on Nov. 14.

“In June of this year I suffered kidney failure, caused as a result of contracting an airborne virus and I have been under medical care ever since,” Cole said in a statement. “I was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with a condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.”

Cole said he had spent close to three weeks in hospital undergoing a kidney biopsy and dialysis, and he is continuing on a course of steroids which has led to a slight change in his appearance.

In thanking his doctors at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, as well as his family, Cole added:

“Together we have been through some dark days. However, the good news is that I am feeling better as each day passes and the consultant is hopeful that I will make a full recovery by next spring.”

Cole said he would remain in his role as an ambassador for United.