Ex-Manchester United striker Andrew Cole has undergone a kidney transplant, the club have announced.
Cole, 45, is now an ambassador at United and the club said he had "undergone a kidney transplant operation at Manchester Royal Infirmary."
The transplant has been carried out as part of Cole's treatment for a condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.
A United statement said: "During his recuperation, Andrew will be taking a break from his role as Manchester United ambassador.
"Andrew and his family would like to thank the club and fans for their support.
"They also request that he can continue with his treatment in private, and ask that their privacy is respected."
Cole suffered kidney failure in June 2014 as a result of contracting an airborne virus.
One of the side effects of Cole's condition, which causes scarring of the kidney and impacts on levels of protein in the body, is weight gain.
Speaking to BBC Sport in February 2016, he said: "Seeing the change in my body, that has been tough -- it wreaks havoc with you.
"I have to take it day by day. It has been tough going through this process."
Cole won 15 caps for England and made 275 appearances for United, for whom he scored 121 goals and won five league titles as well as the 1999 Champions League.
He also played for Arsenal, Bristol City, Blackburn, Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Sunderland, Burnley and Nottingham Forest and retired in November 2008.