Robson has been battling a fifth bout of the illness, and has accepted doctors' prognosis that he is unlikely to beat it.

Speaking to The Sun today, he said: "I have accepted what they have told me, and I am determined to make the most of what time I have left.

"I am going to die sooner rather than later. But then everyone has to go some time, and I have enjoyed every minute.

"I have been fortunate to survive this long. It is thanks to the doctors and their dedication."

Sir Bobby, who took England to the brink of a World Cup final in Italy in 1990, has enjoyed a football career spanning six decades.

His playing days took him to Fulham and West Brom, and he was also capped by England.

As a manager, he won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Ipswich, and then took England to two World Cups, before taking up continental coaching appointments at Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven.

He later returned to his native north-east to take over at his booyhood heroes Newcastle, and most recently spent a short time as consultant for the Republic of Ireland.