Ballesteros: I could be a 'rebel' patient

Seve Ballesteros has admitted he was “a rebel patient” at times after being discharged from hospital in Madrid following four operations on a brain tumour.

The five-time major winner had been in La Paz hospital since collapsing in October and underwent the last of his operations last week.

The 51-year-old was allowed to leave hospital yesterday afternoon and paid tribute to the medical staff who looked after him.

“During these two long months in hospital I wish to thank the doctors as well as the people in charge of the Intensive Care Unit and the second floor at La Paz,” said Ballesteros in a statement on his official website, www.seveballesteros.com.

“Doctors, nurses and porters will always mean so much to me. Even more than simply carers of a sick person. They are like members of my own family.

“Occasionally I was a rebel patient and therefore I ask them to forgive me and thank everyone for all the care received.”