Former Wales striker John Hartson has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 34-year-old attended Swansea's Singleton Hospital on Friday "displaying symptoms consistent with testicular cancer" and further tests have revealed the disease has spread to his brain.

Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, consultant medical oncologist at ABM University NHS

Trust in Swansea, said: "We are awaiting the results of further tests to establish a full picture of Mr Hartson's diagnosis.

"We will be commencing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible and foresee many months of treatment.

"Mr Hartson will continue under the care of the specialist consultant oncologists as we aim for a positive outcome from this treatment.

"We realise that Mr Hartson is a much-loved figure and there are many fans and well-wishers who will be keen to hear news of his progress.

"However, while treatment is ongoing, we would ask that the privacy of Mr Hartson, and all the patients who attend our hospital, is respected.

"With his blessing, we will give further updates when appropriate."

The statement, issued through the hospital, also carried words of support from his family and friends.

"All the family, and John's friends, are doing all we can to support him and praying that he will make a full recovery," the statement said.

"John is getting excellent care from the oncologists at the hospital as he begins his treatment.

"John is a family man and we appreciate all the messages of support we have already received."

Celtic were quick to offer their support to their former player.

Hartson was signed by Martin O'Neill in a £6million deal in 2001 and was a popular figure with fans during the five years he spent at Parkhead.

During that time, he scored 89 league goals for Celtic and was voted Player of the Year by both his fellow professionals and the Scottish Football Writers Association.

A Celtic spokesperson told the club's official website: "John Hartson is a man whom Celtic Football Club has immense respect and affection for.

"He has served the club, and the game of football in general, with distinction over many years.

"Clearly, everyone at the club fully supports John and his family at this extremely difficult time.

"It is very difficult for us to understand what John is going through at the moment, but we will offer any support we can to a great Celtic player.

"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Celtic family are with John at this time."

News of Hartson's illness was met with shock from Celtic fans, who described the diagnosis as a "real tragedy" and wished him a full recovery.

Peter Rafferty, president of the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters' Clubs, said: "He was one of our major heroes and really well liked and appreciated by the fans. He always gave 100%.

"It's so sad that something like this could happen to someone so young, he is still a very young man and has a young family.

"It's a real tragedy and we just wish him well with his treatment.

"Hopefully he will make a full recovery."

sportinglife.com

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#wengerout

Appena l'ho letto sono rimasto choccato. Mi auguro possa farcela.

#@*§ mi dispiace tantissimo....forza John

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Football, bloody hell!

John Hartson remains in a critical but stable condition following his emergency brain surgery.

On Friday, the 34-year-old former Wales striker was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which had spread to his brain.

It was discovered earlier this week that the disease is also now in his lungs, and he has since undergone neurosurgery in Swansea.

Following the operation, a spokesman for the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABM) University NHS Trust said: "John Hartson remains in a critical but stable condition at the Morriston Hospital.

"Further updates will be provided should this change."

sportinglife.com

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#wengerout

Mi dispiace un casino per Bigh John...questa sarà stata la troppa birra bevuta

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che càzzo c'entra la birra bevuta?!?
risparmiati ste uscite..

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"At mol drera ar caucaso"

Ah, secondo te a uno che beve troppa birra viene il cancro?

Ma cosa posta ancora a fare questo utente?

IT: Forza Long John!

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Convinciamoci che siamo dei cadaveri che camminano(P.Borsellino)

la birra

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Sbaragnoffi

Vabbè dai, ha scritto senza pensare
Sychev, eh sì che sei pure un barman... non dire a nessuno che la roba che servi è cancerogena!

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...

Grande Big John.

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Prova, prova, un due tre, prova.