The former England soccer player Alan Hudson is in a critical condition in hospital after being knocked down by a car.

The 46-year-old, who played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke and the American Seattle Sounders team, has had surgery for head and internal injuries.

He was too ill to be transferred from the operating theatre, where a specialist was called in to stabilise his condition.

His wife Ann said she did not know exactly how the accident had happened.

"According to the police Alan had apparently stepped off the pavement and was hit by a car which must have been going very quickly," she said.

"I can't believe it. We were only just getting ready for Christmas together - and now this."

It is thought the accident happened at around 10.30p.m. on Monday evening when Mr Hudson was walking in the East End of London.

A spokeswoman for the Royal London Hospital said they could not discuss the current condition of Mr Hudson at the request of his family.

A footballer's footballer

• 1951: Born June 21, south-west London.
• 1965: Joins Chelsea as apprentice, signing full professional contract three years later.
• 1971: Helps Chelsea win European Cup-winners Cup in final replay against Real Madrid. Wins first of 10 England Under-21 caps.
• 1974: Transferred to Stoke City for £240,000.
• 1975: Wins his only two full England caps in 5-0 win against Cyprus and 2-0 triumph over World Cup holders West Germany, both at Wembley.
• 1977: Joins Arsenal from Stoke for £200,000 and reaches FA Cup Final a year later but Arsenal lose 1-0 to Ipswich.
• 1979: Moves to America to play for Seattle Sounders in the NASL.
• 1983: Rejoins Chelsea but sold six months later back to Stoke in swap-deal for Wales international Mickey Thomas.
• 1985: Retires from football with calf injury and goes into the nightclub and restaurant business.

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