Former England international Jimmy Greaves is out of intensive care after suffering a severe stroke earlier this week, his family has confirmed.
The 75-year-old, who scored 44 goals in 57 appearances for the Three Lions, was admitted to hospital on Sunday.
Greaves is now able to sit up in bed, and his family say that there is "room for cautious optimism" on his road to recovery.
"We can tell you that Jimmy is out of intensive care and is able to sit up in bed," a Greaves family statement read. "Whilst he is by no means out of the woods there is room for cautious optimism.
"We would like to thank all the staff at the hospital who have been fantastic. We would also give thanks to over 30,000 well-wishers including many players and ex-TV colleagues as well as so many fans, that have sent messages and love to Jim at this most difficult of times.
"The support shown has been amazing and heart warming. Please continue to have good thoughts for him for the long road ahead as he fights this terrible thing that has happened."
Greaves also suffered a minor stroke in 2012, but he was able to make a full recovery.
Daniel Lewis
