(CNN) Thursday marks 34 years to the day since former France international Jean-Pierre Adams entered into a coma following a botched operation on his knee.

Having turned 68 earlier this month, the ex-footballer has now spent half of his life in this condition -- with his wife Bernadette still lovingly tending to him.

CNN first published his story in January, prompting an incredible response.

It may be Jan 5 but I doubt you'll read a more remarkable football (and life) story than this all year - https://t.co/dyh3FYVpDA

This is up there as one of the best stories told. Have a read https://t.co/rgAysotp3l

This story by @piers_e for @cnnsport about French football star Jean-Pierre Adams' 33-year coma is incredible: https://t.co/WztRsOeSQa

It is fair to say that Jean-Pierre's story touched a nerve.

Perhaps it's hardly surprising given the emotion that courses through his tale.

On one hand, there is sympathy for the way his life was cruelly and needlessly turned upside down.

On the other, there's the way his wife Bernadette has unfailingly stuck by his side through the years.

When you think you are having a bad day. Remind yourself of this. Heartbreaking story. What an amazing wife! https://t.co/gd4vLkDhGz — Herr Burns (@Ant_Burns) January 6, 2016

Incredible story... Incredibly strong wife. https://t.co/DwpL5CmhhP — Michael Tierney (@TierneyMike) January 4, 2016

Despite having no medical training prior to his accident on March 17, 1982, she has cared for the man she married in 1969 in the family home ever since.

Once a strapping physical specimen, Jean-Pierre now spends most of his day in bed -- incapable of nearly all voluntary movement, although he can digest food and open and close his eyes.

One of the most tragic, yet heartwarming stories you will ever read, a superb piece! #true love https://t.co/2Y0pHwufdT — Stephen Dunham (@dunsjd) 6 January 2016

Top read football story in Jan on @cnni is Jean-Pierre Adams -- soccer star who has been in coma for over 30 years https://t.co/utEDgtM9JJ — CNN Sport (@cnnsport) 22 January 2016

Yet it had all once been going so well.

Despite humble beginnings in Senegal, Jean-Pierre had risen up to play for the French national team in the 1970s after emigrating to the European nation as a child.

JUST WATCHED Jean-Pierre and Bernadette Adams: A love like no other Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Jean-Pierre and Bernadette Adams: A love like no other 03:13

But as his career wound down, some routine surgery on a troublesome knee went awry.

"Given it was not a vital operation, that the hospital was on strike, they were missing doctors and (the anesthetist) was looking after eight patients, in two different rooms, someone should have called me to say they were going to delay the operation," says Bernadette.

They didn't -- and the disastrous operation left Jean-Pierre so starved of oxygen he suffered catastrophic brain damage and a massive cardiac arrest.

@JohnSinnott @cnni I was in tears. Barman came over, I was almost blubbing. Had to duck behind my arm and laptop. @piers_e did them proud. — Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) 5 January 2016

Reading about Jean-Pierre Adams really gives me a goosebumps. — Sarah Khan (@SrahNst) 28 February 2016

Unbelievable story. Take no single day in this life for granted. You can have it all, then nothing, in a flash. https://t.co/eKx0qLrTnW — Robert Burns (@RobertWFD) 5 January 2016

After a little over a year in hospital, local authorities suggested to Bernadette that the best place for her husband would be a nearby home for the elderly.

She refused and has looked after him ever since -- - giving round-the-clock care and rarely spending time apart from her invalidated husband.

What a story, what a woman . Jean-Pierre Adams: The 33-year coma that can't stop love @cnnsport https://t.co/8k7Gkj4TrM — Tom (@Tom_Celt) 6 January 2016

Everyone should read this. What an amazing story. Wow. https://t.co/a19CcDVkir — ️ (@SavageShane10) 6 January 2016

Do you wish to read about an exceptional woman, yet not a saint? Then google: "Bernadette and Jean-Pierre Adams" — A.J. (@alan6163) January 23, 2016

There are no pictures of Jean-Pierre today as Bernadette is keen to preserve the legacy of her husband as he was prior to his cruel accident.

Minor miracle?

It wasn't just readers who were moved by Jean-Pierre's story.

A company called mindBEAGLE hopes it can use modern technology to enable Jean-Pierre and Bernadette to interact.

In theory, this would work by using a computer to detect changes in brain activity induced by the patient's mental activity -- thus creating a system whereby a limited form of communication could take place.

Both Bernadette and mindBEAGLE are in touch with a doctor who will potentially try the technology on Jean-Pierre in due course.

However, mindBEAGLE's Brendan Allison, who contacted CNN after Jean-Pierre's story was published in January, advises caution.

"Given the long time since the hospital error, the odds that Jean-Pierre could communicate are low," he warns.

Like his wife Bernadette, readers may well be hoping for a minor miracle.