FIFA President Sepp Blatter has confirmed he was "close to dying" earlier this month.

Blatter was speaking to Swiss television station RTS as he continues to serve a 90-day suspension for corruption allegations. He is to step down after next year's FIFA Presidential Election.

"I was between the angels who were singing and the devil who was lighting the fire, but it was the angels who sang. I was close to dying. At some stage the body says 'no, enough is enough'" Blatter told the Swiss broadcaster.

He spent six days in hospital at the start of the month after suffering a "small emotional breakdown". He made a full recovery after his release from hospital.

Blatter's successor will be announced in Zurich, Switzerland on February 26th.