ALOR STAR: Kedah footballing legend Abdul Rahman Tasu, is now grappling with the effects of a stroke after being afflicted by the ailment for the fourth time.
Abdul Rahman, 60, who played as a centre forward for the Green and Yellow, is now confined to a wheelchair and requires constant care from his 45-year-old wife, Asmanida Ismail.
According to Asmanida, they are now entirely dependent on Abdul Rahman's pension, amounting to approximately RM1,500 per month.
"He had to quit his job as a clerk at Wisma Darul Aman due to the first stroke about eight years ago.
"The money is used for our daily needs, especially disposable diapers, utility bills, our meals, and a monthly rent of RM250 for our home.
"Sometimes, I take him for alternative treatments, incurring additional expenses, and there are times when our car breaks down and needs repairs," she said during an interview in Pekan Langgar yesterday.
Asmanida said that besides being unable to walk, Abdul Rahman has lost his ability to communicate but is still able to hear others and retains memories of the past.
"He can still walk with a cane and speak, although not very clearly, before the fourth stroke. He now communicates by nodding or using hand signals to respond to questions.
"I had to quit my job as a cook to take care of him, handling tasks such as lifting him to the bathroom, changing his diapers, and feeding him.
"I have to do everything myself because we live alone and have not been blessed with children despite being married for 15 years," she added.
She said that Abdul Rahman's health has deteriorated to the point where he has lost his appetite and only began to consume plain rice porridge two days ago.
When asked if he remembers his former teammates, including Muhamad Radhi Mat Din, Abdul Rahman nodded and shed tears.
Asmanida shared that her husband becomes emotional and would shed tears when discussing about football and his former teammates.
Abdul Rahman was part of the Kedah team that lifted the Malaysia Cup for the first time in 1990, defeating Singapore.
He also contributed to the state's Sukma football squad's victory in the inaugural edition of the championship in 1986.