Ex-Burnley and Middlesbrough star Jelle Vossen reveals he cheated death after catching ‘terrifying’ flesh-eating bug

Ex-Championship star Jelle Vossen has revealed he cheated death … after catching a flesh-eating bug.

The Belgium international spent the 2014-15 season on loan to Middlesbrough, scoring nine goals in 40 games.

Getty – ContributorFormer Middlesbrough star Vossen spent five days in hospital with the illness[/caption]

Genk striker Vossen then joined Burnley, only to leave for Club Brugge within two months.

Now with Belgian club Zulte Waregem, the 33-year-old is glad to be alive after being struck down with the terrifying complaint.

He recalled: “I spent five days in hospital after a flesh-eating bacteria was found in my bloodstream.

“Believe me, I truly suffered. I later learned that one person in every five to have this problem dies from it.

“I was coughing up blood clots, and struggling to breathe. My wife and youngest daughter could only look on open-mouthed.

“Had I waited any longer to go to A&E, I don’t know what might have happened with me.

“It felt weird for my two daughters to see me lying in a hospital bed.

“I have had to make a long journey to make my playing comeback.

“The doctors advised me not to look anything up about the illness on Google, but I did so anyway – and I was terrified.

“I have had a lucky escape, as I was diagnosed early. It puts playing football into perspective.

“I had to build myself up physically once again, as I lost a lot of muscle mass.”

Vossen has won 12 Belgium caps, and spent 15 years with Genk before joining Boro in 2014.