Former Liverpool and West Ham defender Rigobert Song 'fighting for his life' after suffering stroke

Former Liverpool and West Ham United defender Rigobert Song has reportedly been rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.

The Liverpool Echo reports Song, 40, is fighting for his life after suffering a brain aneurysm. The former defender is now in critical condition at a hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Song, uncle of former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder Alex, is currently the head coach of Chad's national team.

Song's former Liverpool teammates have posted tributes to their former teammate, with Cameroon great Samuel Eto'o also passing on his support. Liverpool's official account has also tweeted their message of support, writing: "I wish you a lot of courage and a speedy recovery big brother!"

Song joined Liverpool in January 1999, making 35 appearances for the Merseyside club. A year later, he joined West Ham United where he made 24 appearances, before spells with Cologne, Lens, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor.

The former defender made over 100 appearances for his native Cameroon, featuring in four Word Cups and winning Olympic gold with his country in 2000, having made his international debut aged just 17.