Stuart Pearce: Former England defender feels ‘brilliant’ as he recovers from heart scare

Stuart Pearce says he feels “absolutely brilliant” after recovering from a heart scare during a plane flight.

The 62-year-old former England international and Nottingham Forest defender was travelling on a flight from Las Vegas to the UK when he fell ill.

The flight was diverted to St. Johns, Canada, where it made an emergency landing and Pearce was taken to hospital.

“I’m in good form, absolutely brilliant,” Pearce, who was released from hospital on Sunday, told TalkSport, external.

“On the flight I had chest pains and the crew on Virgin were brilliant, they took care of me fantastically and then said, ‘Look, we’re not going to take the chance travelling across the Atlantic, we’re going to drop you off’.

“My heart rate was racing. From the time I was monitored on the aeroplane and for the few days in hospital, my resting heart rate was anything above 155 beats per minute.

“I had a virus that attached itself to my heart that just needed clearing, rebooting and going through the process.

“When I get home I obviously will have some medical checks and go and see my GP, but I feel terrific now.”

Pearce felt chest pains several hours into the flight back home from watching the Rugby League Super League game between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves.

Air crew monitored him and were in contact with a doctor on the ground, with a decision taken to land the plane in Canada.

There was applause from supporters of both clubs after three minutes during Nottingham Forest’s win over Manchester City at the weekend – the number he wore during his career for both clubs.

Forest posted “Psycho” on X, referencing his nickname, alongside a love heart.

Pearce added: “The Forest game against Man City was very, very humbling, I saw that and the bits and pieces that come out from that.

“Thank you for your two messages and everybody else that sent messages of support, it is very, very humbling.”

Pearce is hoping to return to the UK soon and said: “The insurers are just looking to organise flights at the moment.

“I need a medical chaperone, so I’ve been told, to come with us, so they’re just organising that. So over the next day or so, hopefully.”