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    Family of Pele gather at hospital to be beside Brazilian World Cup legend at Christmas as his cancer worsens

    PELE’S family have gathered to be beside him in hospital for Christmas as his cancer worsens.His children have posted emotional snaps of themselves and the Brazil legend in following his latest health scare.
    Pele’s daughter shared an emotional snap of them from the hospital to InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@KELYNASCIMENTO
    Pele’s family pictured at the Sao Paulo hospital where he’s being cared forCredit: Instagram
    Pele’s son Edinho has also been to see his fatherCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Brazil legend Pele, 82, was admitted to hospital in late NovemberCredit: AFP
    The three-time World Cup winner has been battling colon cancer for over a yearCredit: AFP
    The 82-year-old has been battling colon cancer since September of last year.
    Doctors said this week his cancer had advanced and that he requires care related to renal and cardiac dysfunction.
    His daughter Kely Nascimento posted a picture the family including his wife Marcia Aoki gathered at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on Instagram.
    In an emotional post she wrote: “Almost all of them. Merry Christmas. Gratitude, love, togetherness, family.
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    “The essence of Christmas. We thank you all for all the love and light you send.”
    Earlier she posted a picture of her hugging the three times World Cup winner as his granddaughter could be seen in the background laying on a sofa.
    “We continue to be here, in fight and in faith. Another night together,” she wrote.
    She also included a video of her father sleeping in bed while the family spoke to him.
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    The entire football world has kept Pele in their thoughts and prayers.
    He has received several messages of support since his hospitalisation, including from the French star Kylian Mbappe, who called on followers to “pray for the King.”
    Kely said: “Your love for him, your stories and your prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.
    “Let’s turn this room into a Sambadrome (just kidding), let’s even make caipirinhas (not kidding!!).”
    Pele’s son, Edinho, has also arrived at the hospital to show his support for his father.
    He posted a picture on Instagram of their hands holding each other, along with the emotional message: “Father… my strength is yours”.
    Despite being hospital-bound, Pele didn’t miss out on the sensational World Cup final between Argentina and France.
    He wrote on Instagram: “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way.
    “[Lionel] Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved.
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    “My dear friend, Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final.
    “What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.” More

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    Vialli’s condition ‘worsens’ as ex-Chelsea and Italy star’s mum ‘rushes to be by his side in hospital’ amid cancer fight

    GIANLUCA VIALLI’S mother rushed to London from Italy to be by her son’s side after his condition worsened this week, Italian reports claim.The former Chelsea and Italy striker is claimed to be receiving treatment in hospital as he battles pancreatic cancer.
    Gianluca Vialli is currently battling cancerCredit: PA
    Vialli has stepped away from his role with the Italian national teamCredit: Getty
    Vialli spent three years with ChelseaCredit: Reuters
    Vialli, 58, recently stepped away from his role with the Italian national team to focus on his fight against the illness.
    He was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 before being given the all-clear in 2020.
    His cancer returned in 2021, and Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera claim his condition has worsened recently.
    Vialli’s mum Maria Teresa, 87, and his brother flew to London to visit him in hospital as he could not travel back for Christmas.
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    They are reported to have flown to the UK on Monday before returning home to Cremona, near Milan, on Tuesday.
    Corriere Della Sera claim Vialli’s condition is “serious” as he receives treatment for cancer.
    In a statement last week Vialli confirmed that he was stepping away from his position with the Italian team, but hoped it would only be temporary.
    He said: “At the end of a long and difficult ‘negotiation’ with my wonderful team of oncologists I have decided to suspend, I hope temporarily, my present and future professional commitments.
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    “The goal is to use all the psycho-physical energies to help my body overcome this phase of the disease, so that I will be able as soon as possible to face new adventures and share them with all of you.”
    Chelsea legend John Terry sent his will wishes to Vialli following the news that he had stepped away from his role with Italy.
    Vialli spent time in charge of the Blues and handed Terry his professional debut.
    Terry wrote on Twitter: “Sending my Love and Best Wishes to Gianluca Vialli.
    “The man that gave me my debut and believed in me.”
    As well as his spell with Chelsea, Vialli also played for Cremonese, Sampdoria, and Juventus.
    He was capped 59 times by Italy.
    Vialli confirmed in 2021 that his cancer had returnedCredit: Getty More

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    Bristol Rovers star Nick Anderton to undergo chemotherapy as he reveals rare bone cancer is more aggressive than thought

    BRISTOL ROVERS star Nick Anderton has announced he will undergo chemotherapy after discovering his cancer was more aggressive than initially thought.The 26-year-old was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in his femur in July.
    Bristol Rovers star Nick Anderton will undergo chemo in his fight against cancerCredit: Getty
    The left-back and his club confirmed that he was suffering from Osteosarcoma – a cancer typically affecting long bones, such as legs and arms.
    He had an operation on 5 October to remove a tumour which was successful.
    But the biopsy revealed the cancerous cells are aggressive and require the ex-Blackpool, Preston, and Carlisle ace to have chemotherapy.
    And that bout of treatment is set to last several months.
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    Anderton said in a statement: “Following the recent announcement of my diagnosis with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, I have some further news that I wish to share.
    “I underwent a successful operation on Wednesday, October 5 to remove the tumorous area.
    “After the operation, the tumour was sent off for further analysis, and the biopsy revealed that the cancerous cells were more aggressive than previously thought.
    “Because of this I now need to undergo chemotherapy treatment. This process has not begun and will last for several months.
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    “I would like to thank my family, friends, fans, team-mates and the whole football community for their support – it means the world to me. Nick.”
    Tom Gorringe, the chief executive officer of League One Bristol Rovers, added: “Sadly, the prognosis Nick has received has developed over the past few months.
    “But we are all incredibly thankful that it was uncovered as early as it was and that he has been afforded such great care and support early on.
    “Nick remains an integral part of our squad and everyone has remained in constant contact with him to offer our support and to do what we can to try and help him and his family through this difficult time.
    “Nick’s response and positivity, despite the adversity he is currently facing, is admirable and he is an inspiration to us all.” More

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    Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli steps away from Italy role with immediate effect to focus on second battle with cancer

    CHELSEA legend Gianluca Vialli has stepped down from his role with the Italian national team in order to focus on a battle with cancer.Vialli, 58, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 before being given the all-clear in 2020.
    Gianluca Vialli during his Chelsea playing daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Vialli is stepping back from his role with Italy after his cancer returnedCredit: Getty
    However, it returned in 2021, and he has now confirmed he will be stepping back from all “professional commitments.”
    He said: “At the end of a long and difficult ‘negotiation’ with my wonderful team of oncologists I have decided to suspend, I hope temporarily, my present and future professional commitments.
    “The goal is to use all the psycho-physical energies to help my body overcome this phase of the disease, so that I will be able as soon as possible to face new adventures and share them with all of you.”
    Vialli was a key part of Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff on their way to winning Italy the European Championships in 2021.

    Speaking about return of his cancer last year, Vialli struck a defiant tone and declared he was determined to stay in the Italy set up.
    He said: “I feel good, but my journey is not yet complete.
    “The unwanted guest, as I call it, is still here with me. At this moment I am in maintenance mode.
    “The tumour is still there. At times it is more noticeable, at others less so
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    “I will keep fighting, because I want to be here for many more years. I want you to have to put up with me for a long time to come.
    “I take that strength from my family, friends, and all those who give me such courage. I can’t thank them enough.”
    The president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, thanked Vialli for his services and said the entire federation would support him in his recovery.
    He said: “Gianluca is an absolute protagonist of the Italian national team and will be in the future.
    “Thanks to his extraordinary strength of spirit, the Azzurri and the affection of the whole federal family, I am convinced he will be back soon. 
    “He can count on each of us, because we are a team, on and off the pitch.”
    Vialli scored 40 goals in 87 appearances for the Blues over three years at the club.
    He retired at Stamford Bridge in 1999.
    Prior to his stint with Chelsea, the Italian was best known for his exploits in Serie A for Sampdoria and Juventus, winning the league with both and winning a Champions League with the Old Lady. More

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    Marcus Rashford’s pal Garfield Hayward thought he’d beaten cancer before losing battle in tragedy that sparked tribute

    A PAL who Marcus Rashford dedicated his goals against Wales to last night has been described as “his biggest supporter”. Garfield Hayward was a regular visitor to Old Trafford to cheer on the Manchester United striker with the player’s brothers Dane and Dwaine.
    Garfield Hayward was Marcus Rashford’s ‘biggest supporter’, pals saidCredit: Instagram
    Rashford celebrating his goal against Wales last nightCredit: Rex
    Flowers left underneath ‘Garf’ graffiti in the Levenshulme area of ManchesterCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
    Garfield – known as Garf – passed away earlier this week after a long battle with cancer.
    A source said: “Garf was a really good friend of the Rashford family.
    “He was a really kind good-hearted guy.”
    “He had cancer for a long time and it went away, so everyone thought he had beaten it.
    READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
    “But all of a sudden it came back and he couldn’t beat it.
    “Marcus and his brothers and all of Garf’s friends have been left devastated by their loss.”
    Flowers have been placed underneath a graffiti-style tribute on a railway bridge in Levenshulme, Greater Manchester, where he is believed to have grown up.
    Rashford sank to his knees and pointed to the sky with both hands after scoring his free kick against Wales in a poignant tribute to his pal.
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    After the World Cup game he told reporters: “I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago. He had quite a long battle with cancer.
    “I’m pleased I scored for him, he was a big supporter and good friend of mine.
    “He was someone who came into my life.”
    Friends paid tribute on social media, with one writing: “Big Garf was loved by the whole of Manchester and everyone who had the privilege of meeting him.
    “Sending prayers and strength to all of his close friends family and loved ones.”
    A family member added: “My heart is hurting so much knowing I won’t see you again in this life.
    “Uncle Garf, one of the realist people I’ve ever know.
    “You was a big part of my life growing up. Just wish we could have made a lot more memories together, it won’t be the same without you being here.
    “You were the man with the most beautiful soul. You didn’t have a bad bone in your body, you would give anything and everything you could with even a single bit of hesitation.
    “I love you man and I’m so glad I got to tell you that.
    “You will forever be in my thoughts and my heart till the day I die.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Rashford scored two of England’s three goals against Wales at Qatar’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium last night, sending the Three Lions into the knockout stages.
    Gareth Southgate’s side are through to the last 16 where they will face Senegal on Sunday.
    Social media is flooded with tributes to the football fanCredit: Instagram
    Flowers, candles and notes left in the memory of ‘Garf’Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
    Rashford after scoring during the Group B match between Wales and EnglandCredit: Getty More

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    Sebastien Haller confirms he need to undergo further surgery to remove testicular cancer tumour following chemotherapy

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND striker Sebastien Haller has confirmed he needs to undergo further surgery to remove his testicular cancer tumour.The ex-West Ham star hasn’t played for the Bundesliga giants since his summer move from Ajax after being diagnosed with the illness.
    Sebastien Haller in hospital back in July after being diagnosed
    Haller hasn’t played since arriving at Borussia Dortmund in the summerCredit: Getty
    Haller, 28, has been undergoing chemotherapy for several months and was all smiles following his last update soon after getting the news.
    But the striker confirmed on Twitter he still needs more treatment.
    The Ivory Coast international said: “As planned from the beginning, different possibilities were considered following the chemo.
    “I tell you that the fight is not over for me.
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    “I will have to undergo an operation to permanently end this tumour which keeps me away from the pitch.
    “I want to thank you all for the messages of support and the strength you give me in this ordeal.
    Comme prévu depuis le début, différentes possibilités étaient envisagées suite aux chimio. Je vous annonce que le combat n’est pas terminé pour moi. Je vais devoir subir une opération pour en finir définitivement avec cette tumeur qui m’éloigne des terrains. Merci à tous 💪🏽🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/sFijTijLXu— Sébastien Haller (@HallerSeb) November 16, 2022

    “Looking forward to seeing you all soon.”
    Haller spent 18 months at West Ham before signing for Ajax in 2021 after struggling in the Premier League.
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    He rediscovered his form in Holland, scoring 47 goals in just 66 games.
    Eleven of those goals came in the Champions League to help Ajax reach the last 16.
    His form earned him a move to Dortmund, but his cancer has stopped him from taking to the pitch. More

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    Wales will invite David Brooks to join World Cup squad in Qatar despite heartbreaking injury following cancer all-clear

    DAVID BROOKS will be invited to join Wales at the World Cup.But the Bournemouth star will not be named in Robert Page’s final 26-man squad on Wednesday.
    David Brooks suffered a hamstring injury during his comeback after recovering from cancerCredit: Getty
    Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last October but revealed in May his cancer was clear.
    The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his recovery, yet Cherries interim boss Gary O’Neil revealed he could return to Premier League action next month.
    And Wales boss Page, who will announce his squad in his hometown of Tylorstown in the Rhondda valley, views Brooks as a key part of his plans beyond Qatar into the Euro 2024 qualifiers starting in March.
    Page said: “I am going to try and get Brooksy to travel. Not in the 26 because of his injury.
    READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
    “He’s a big part of moving forward from March. I want to keep him in the group.
    “I am not sure if he is committed to coming yet. But I want him to be a part of it.”
    Brooks’ last of his 21 Wales caps came at Euro 2020 last summer when he was a sub in the 4-0 hammering by Denmark.
    But the ex-Sheffield United star had a bright start to his international career after he was named Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2019 – and his super form saw him linked to a move to Tottenham.
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    He made nine appearances last season with his final outing the goalless draw at Peterborough in the Championship last September.
    Wales’ medical staff were key in identifying the problem when Brooks complained of fatigue on international duty a month later.
    But, after cancer treatment and bouncing back from the injury setback, Brooks is aiming to move closer to Bournemouth’s first team squad.
    Read More on The Sun
    After the World Cup, Wales have been drawn against Croatia, Armenia, Turkey and Latvia in Euro 2024 qualification.
    The Dragons open their campaign with a trip to Croatia on March 25, followed by their first home game three days later against Latvia in Cardiff as they plot their way to the finals in Germany. More

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    Hertha Berlin’s Jean-Paul Boetius diagnosed with testicular tumour two months after team-mate Marco Richter

    HERTHA BERLIN star Jean-Paul Boetius has been ruled out for the foreseeable future – after doctors found he has a testicular tumour.It comes just two months after team-mate Marco Richter fought a testicular cancer scare.
    Boetius has been diagnosed with a testicular tumorCredit: AP
    Holland winger Boetius had only joined the German club from Bundesliga rivals Mainz during the summer.
    But the 28-year-old is set to miss the majority of the season after undergoing life-saving surgery..
    Hertha announced: “Jean-Paul Boetius has been diagnosed with a testicular tumour following the results of a urological test.
    “He will be out for the foreseeable future.
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    “The club will provide further information on Boetius’ recovery in due course.  Until then we ask that everyone respects Jean-Paul’s privacy during his recovery.”
    Hertha sporting director Fredi Bobic added: “As tough as it is to hear at first, we are full of hope that Jean-Paul will be able to recover and return to us as soon as possible.
    “He will receive our full support until he returns.  The Hertha family are by his side, and wish him all the best.”
    Rotterdam-born Boetius previously had two spells with hometown club Feyenoord, winning the Dutch FA Cup in 2018.
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    He also played for Basel, winning the Swiss Super League title in 2016, and Belgian club Genk.
    His cousin is now-retired midfielder Urby Emanuelson, 36, who has had spells with Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday.
    Boetius won 33 caps for Holland at various age levels, including one senior appearance in 2014.
    And midfield pal Richter bravely opened up about his own battles recently – revealing HE froze his sperm to ensure he can have kids in the future.
    Richter, 24, received the devastating cancer diagnosis in July, but the tumour was identified early enough that it could be removed by surgery, with the player not needing chemotherapy.
    Borussia Dortmund star Sebastien Haller also had a testicular tumour removed this summer.
    What is testicular cancer?
    What is testicular cancer? Testicular cancer is caused when cells reproduce uncontrollably within the male reproductive organs, the testes. The fairly uncommon cancer, which mainly affects men under 45, is relatively painless – making it difficult to diagnose .In the UK, 2,200 men are diagnosed each year and just 70 men die. However, cases have doubled since the mid 70s.
    What are the symptoms of testicular cancer? The most common sign is a lump or swelling on one of your testicles – which is normally about the size of a pea. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that not all testicular lumps are cancerous. According to the NHS only four per cent of scrotal lumps are cancerous, but you should still always get your GP to take a look. Here are the signs to look out for:

    A lump or swelling in the testicle
    A heavy scrotum
    A dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles and scrotum
    A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
    A difference in the texture or increase in firmness of the testicle
    A difference between one testicle and the other

    How do you check your testicles?It’s important to know what feels normal for you – so it’s important to check often so you can notice changes. It’s a good idea to have a hot shower before checking them, then gently roll your testicle between your thumb and finger. Then repeat for the other testicle. Repeat this every week so you get a feel for their shape and size. More