Sheffield Wednesday send message of support to ex-player Petter Rudi after ALS diagnosis

30 Mar 2026 • 9:11 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Former Sheffield Wednesday and Norway midfielder Petter Rudi has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND).
  • Rudi, 52, made 76 Premier League appearances for Sheffield Wednesday between 1997 and 2000 and earned 46 international caps for Norway.
  • Sheffield Wednesday and Rudi's current club, Molde, have both expressed their support for him and his family following the diagnosis.
  • ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, with the MND Association stating that 5,000 adults are affected by MND at any one time in the UK.
  • Rudi joins other high-profile athletes diagnosed with the condition, including rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024, and England rugby union World Cup winner Lewis Moody.

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