Virus-hit Aston Villa masseur returns home from hospital

The popular member of Villa’s backroom team, who has previously worked for Albion and Wolves, received treatment in an intensive therapy unit.

Butler posted on Twitter: “I’m alive, I’m going home.

“Thanks to all those that looked after me at Sandwell General hospital and kept me going even when it looked bleak.

“Thanks to all the well wishes and a big thanks to my family for keeping me stocked up on Lucozade and sweets. I’m off home for cuddles.”

Former England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, wants the season to be declared null and void because of the virus – a move which would deny Albion promotion to the Premier League.

Football is suspended until April 30, but it has been widely acknowledged that the return will have to be pushed back further. Ferdinand, though, said: “Times like this do push it home how important sport, contact and communication is when you are isolated and alone with your immediate family. But we have to take into consideration football is just a game.

“As seriously as we all take it, the bigger picture is what is going on out in society.

“If it’s not going to be an immediate fix in the next few weeks, the season needs to be voided and started again next season afresh.”