曼联的美国门将霍华德的精神疾病加重了。
他所患的疾病叫做‘妥瑞氏症候’（Tourette's Syndrome），具体症状表现在神经性的眨眼和头部的抽搐。
据霍华德德母亲说这一症状在他比赛和训练结束以后非常明显。
目前他已经开始休息直到赛季结束
Howard in agony
By NEIL CUSTIS
TIM HOWARD’S Tourette’s Syndrome has worsened due to the pressure of being at Manchester United.
Now the American goalkeeper, 24, has been given a rest from football until the end of the season.
Manager Alex Ferguson recognised Howard needed a break after being United’s No 1 for almost all his first season.
Reports from America have confirmed his Tourette’s — a nervous condition that causes involuntary ticks of the eyes and a jerking of the head — have begun to worsen before and after games.
Ferguson said: “Tim has had a tremendous season but we decided it was time to give him a rest.”
It is claimed Howard’s mum, Esther, has seen a marked deterioration in his condition since being at Old Trafford.
She is reported as saying his head is twitching more when she sees him after games or training.
Howard’s agent Dan Segal said: “His mother was talking about the natural process of gearing up for a game or winding down when any player has a heightened heartbeat.
“In Tim’s case this can manifest itself in some of the symptoms of Tourette’s but it has not affected his performances or his day-to-day life.”
Howard has won rave reviews but a few mistakes were beginning to creep in — including the error that handed Porto an equaliser and condemned United to their Champions League exit.
[em13]
