French footballer Jean-Pierre Adams has passed away at the age of 73 after spending 39 years in a coma.

Back in 1982, after suffering a ligament rupture injury, the former Nice and Paris Saint-Germain centre-back had routine knee surgery but an error from the anaesthetist starved his brain of oxygen and he slipped into a coma.

His life was turned upside down following the botched operation.

He spent over half his life in a coma and throughout that time, he was supported by his incredibly loyal wife Bernadette.

Speaking last year, she told CNN: “No one ever forgets to give Jean-Pierre presents, whether it’s his birthday, Christmas or Father’s Day.”

The former France international spent the majority of his day in a modified bed. Despite his health, Bernadette continued to gift her husband with presents, including clothes and aftershave.

“We buy presents like a T-shirt or a jumper because I dress him in his bed – he changes clothes every day,” she added.

“I’ll buy things so that he can have a nice room, such as pretty sheets, or some scent. He used to wear Paco Rabanne but his favorite one stopped so now I buy Sauvage by Dior.”

Adams was incapable of nearly all voluntary movement and Bernadette was there by his side; dressing, feeding and bathing him.
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Her heroism was a sign of their unbreakable bond and when she did spend nights away from home, Adams’ carers spotted the difference in his mood.

She explained: “He senses that it is not me feeding him and looking after him. It’s the nurses who tell me, saying he is not the same. I think he feels things. He must recognize the sound of my voice as well.”

Adams’ former club PSG have paid tribute to their former player in a statement.

“Paris Saint-Germain lost, this Monday, September 6, one of its glorious former players – defender of the Rouge et Bleu and the French team, Jean-Pierre Adams, who wore the Parisian colors from 1977 to 1979.”

Our condolences are with Jean-Pierre’s family and loved ones.