FORMER Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Price is seriously ill after he was hit by a freak wave on a beach in Australia.

Price, 50, is now recovering after he was found face down in the sea by his family after a trip to the beach near his home in Queensland.

He had to be revived twice by lifeguards after his heart stopped and has now developed pneumonia, which has left him unable to walk.

The popular right back played for the club in two spells between 1986 and 1993. Despite playing in defence scored 10 goals in his first season at Ewood Park in 1986/87.

Speaking from his home on the Gold Coast, Price said in a statement: “I’m so shocked that the news has managed to get round so fast but unfortunately it's all true.

“I’m back at home now recovering from pneumonia that was an after-effect of all the water in my lungs.

"I’m still not able to walk but I’m gradually getting there.

“I did stop breathing and my heart did stop but thanks to the efforts of the life guards they bought me back round.

"Thank you for all your on-going support. There's still a long way to go but I'm getting there. Thanks everyone.”

The incident was not linked to recent floods in the region.

Price, who also played for his hometown club Hereford United as well as Aston Villa and Portsmouth, was on Spit beach north of Brisbane with his family on January 3 when the incident happened.

Daughter Natasha Price said: “This awful tragedy occurred last week.

"Not only did Dad need reviving twice, was on life support in intensive care, but he is now having numerous serious problems due to his lungs collapsing and the amount of seawater swallowed – including pneumonia.

“There’s no doubt dad is lucky to be alive, and that the whole family is lucky to be together.

"The only thing that matters right now is to get Dad back to full health."

Rovers legend Simon Garner, a former teammate, said: “I wish him a speedy recovery and I am sure everyone at Rovers will too.

"He was a really good player and was always such a fit lad which I am sure has helped him.

“It is a real shock and I hope he comes through this.”