Super-fit footy legend almost died on Christmas Eve after mistaking deadly condition for a spot of indigestion

A football legend suffered a massive health crisis after being admitted to hospital with a heart attack on Christmas Eve.

Parramatta grand final hero David Liddiard, 62, mistook his chest pain for indigestion after breakfast the day before Christmas.

'I thought I was having indigestion from eggs on toast. I took Mylanta but that didn't help,” Liddiard told News Corp.

When the pain continued, Liddiard's wife, Peta, called an ambulance and he was taken to Tweed Hospital.

“I'm lucky to still be here,” Liddiard said. 'It terrified me.

“They took me straight to the hospital and told me I was having a heart attack right then and there on the table,” he said.

“If I hadn't come to the hospital, I would be 100 percent dead.

'The chest pain was very painful.

“It's scary to think that I'm lucky to be here talking to you. I had a heart attack on the table in the hospital. I came here in an ambulance with sirens blaring.'

Liddiard is now in the John Flynn Private Hospital in Tugan, where he underwent life-saving heart surgery.

“I've had one procedure and I'll have another on Wednesday. “I will be in the hospital for a week while they fix the blocked valves to my heart,” he said.

Liddiard leads an active lifestyle and has urged Australians to keep an eye on their health even as they keep fit.

The Eels legend leads an active lifestyle and is shocked by his health problems

'It was confrontational and a reality check. People need to take these things seriously,” Liddiard said.

'I don't smoke, don't drink much, have never used drugs and train every day. It shows that everyone is vulnerable and everyone should be vigilant in monitoring their health.

'Heart attacks do not discriminate.

'My arteries were clogged. Don't take your health for granted. Luckily my wife Peta let me come to the hospital.'