Heart op UK matador set for return
Updated on 14 August 2008
Spain's only living English matador is coming out of retirement after having a quadruple bypass.
Frank Evans, 65, had to quit the bullring with crippling arthritis three years ago. But the pensioner from Salford has bounced back after a quadruple heart bypass and a knee replacement.
Mr Evans said he decided to resume his 40-year bullfighting career because he "didn't like being retired at all".
His re-entry into the sport is at a charity fundraising bullfight at Villanueva de Concepcion, near Malaga, on Sunday.
He said he is still "not quite back up to full fitness" but hopes the charity bullfight will pave the way for a professional Corrida, or bullfight, next month.
David Small, who is helping him write his autobiography, said El Ingles, as Mr Evans is known, is an amazing character.
He said: "He's very down to earth and there's no airs and graces. He's an inspirational character. You can't help but be inspired by him."
His most serious injury came during a practice session on a ranch when a cow gored his bottom, damaging his prostate.
The pair hope to find a publisher for their book. Mr Small said: "If we got it published it would be a great tribute."
The Salford matador's return to the ring is being filmed for a Channel 4 documentary.
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