Ian Rush's model partner with 16-year age gap as stricken Liverpool icon eyes Xmas return

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Liverpool legend Ian Rush spent two days in intensive care after being rushed to hospital with suspected 'superflu'. The 64-year-old was taken to the Countess of Chester hospital last week after struggling with his breathing.

Rush was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit due to serious concerns for his health. The former Reds striker is now believed to be on the mend from the flu that has swept through the UK this month, although he's still said to be receiving treatment in hospital.

The Welshman is hoping to be discharged in time for Christmas to be reunited with his loved ones, including partner Carol Anthony, who is 16 years his junior. Rush started seeing the Irish singer and model following his split from ex-wife Tracy after 25 years of marriage in 2012.

He revealed to WalesOnline in 2022 that he "couldn't be happier" with his fresh start, with sons Jonathan and Daniel flourishing, while he had recently settled into a new home he'd constructed with long-term partner Carol.

Their romance was put under the microscope when news first broke, with Carol facing accusations of wrecking the football hero's marriage, while also enduring scrutiny over their age gap.

Yet, Carol decided to defend herself after several media outlets incorrectly reported there was a 22-year age difference between her and Rush, setting the record straight about their romance in the process.

"It was in a couple of the papers in the UK, all about the age gap and didn't come up to speed about what I've been doing the past few years," she told the Irish Independent. "They took another six years out of my life. There's 16 years between us, not 22. There's 13 years between my own parents.

"The slant they put on it was wrong, like I was marrying him for money or something. I just felt it was time I spoke up for myself. Ian himself said, it's great to support a footballer in the height of their career but when you finish your career, it's a downward spiral and a whole different ballgame.

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"I've been so supportive of Ian over the last years and helped him work on getting contracts so it feels a bit like a slap in the face when you read these articles. It was a little bit hurtful.

"Women are strong and we'll always try to take things on the chin but when I saw Ian getting annoyed about it I said, ‘No I'm going to take a stance on this.’"

The couple have since been busy planning their future, with Ian and Carol revealing last year they were eyeing a summer wedding in the south of France. However, they have not yet confirmed whether they have in fact tied the knot.

Reflecting on how she managed the backlash during the initial stages of her relationship with Rush, she continued: "It was difficult navigating it initially because I didn't realise the level of scrutiny, and I wasn't ready for it, and that makes everyone anxious and nervous.

"It wasn't good for a relationship. I navigated my way out of that and we have an incredible relationship, absolutely wonderful. We love each other to bits. We're together 12 years now.

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"But I used to walk behind Ian at every function because I would never want to be photographed with him. I went into a phase where I wanted to be unknown. Then I realised I shouldn't be hiding."

Rush's illustrious career at Anfield saw him lift 18 trophies, including five First Division titles, five League Cups, three FA Cups and two European Cups. He remains the club's top scorer with a staggering 346 goals in 660 appearances.

He also played for Juventus , Leeds, Newcastle and Wrexham during his 22-year career, earning 73 caps for Wales and netting 28 goals before hanging up his boots in 2000.