Former Premier League star fighting for his life in hospital

Peter Whittingham is fighting for his life. [Courtesy]

Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham is fighting for his life in hospital.

South Wales Police confirmed the former Bluebirds midfielder, 35, is alive after rumours of his death spread on social media.

Police were unable to give further details, but it is understood that Whittingham is in critical condition in Cardiff's Heath Hospital.

Whittingham’s wife Amanda is currently pregnant.

Whittingham in action for Cardiff. [Courtesy]

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “At around 10 pm on March 7, South Wales Police were called to a licensed premises in Barry.

“A 35-year-old man from Penarth suffered a head injury as a result of a fall and remains at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

“At this stage there is no evidence or suggestion of a criminal act, and it appears the injury was caused by an accidental fall.

“Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident.”

Whittingham came through the ranks at Aston Villa, where he won the FA Youth Cup in 2002 prior to a Premier League debut a year later.

He won his first of 17 England under-21 caps in 2004 prior to loan spells at Burnley and Derby County, but it was at Cardiff where he really hit his stride following a move to the Welsh capital in 2007.

Cardiff stumped up £350,000 to bring Whittingham to the club, where he immediately formed a pivotal part of the team.

Whittingham led the Bluebirds to the Premier League for the first time in 2013.

Whittingham cut his cloth at Villa against the likes of Liverpool. [Courtesy]

He also helped them to the FA Cup final in 2008, scoring in three of the earlier knockout rounds, as well as playing a part in the journey to the 2012 League Cup final.

After rejecting bids for Whittingham in the summer of 2015, former Cardiff boss Russell Slade described the midfielder as the club's "kingpin".

Former Cardiff players and fans of the club reacted to the incorrect rumours of his death on Twitter on Tuesday.

One fan summed up Whittingham's status at Cardiff, writing: "He deserves a statue outside the Cardiff City Stadium someday.

"He inspired a generation in South Wales and scored some of the best goals I've ever seen.

"Here's to you, Peter Whittingham, a Cardiff City legend."

Whittingham later left the club in 2017 for Blackburn Rovers, where he made 20 appearances, before leaving by mutual consent and retiring.