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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.
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    “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.”
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    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.
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    “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.
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    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

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    David Brooks suffers injury setback in bid to play for Wales at World Cup as Davies pulls out of Nations League matches

    DAVID BROOKS has suffered an injury setback in his courageous bid to play at the World Cup.The Wales star, 25, made a comeback from cancer treatment by playing for Bournemouth’s Under-21s last month.
    Wales will give David Brooks as much time as possible to recover and prove his fitness in time for the World CupCredit: Getty
    Tottenham defender Ben Davies faces missing two internationals through injuryCredit: Getty
    But the midfielder, who revealed he was cancer-free in May after being diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma, tweaked a hamstring on his return against Brentford B.
    Wales will play a waiting game to see if Brooks recovers but his hopes of making the Qatar squad are fading.
    Wales boss Robert Page said: “We have to be sympathetic with him and give him as much opportunity to fully recover and be a part of the World Cup squad.
    “We are in constant contact. Let’s wait and see what happens between now and then.
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    “There’s a lot of minutes to be played and a lot of games to play.”
    Cherries’ interim boss Gary O’Neil confirmed: “David suffered a slight setback in the development squad game.
    “He had some pain in his hamstring.
    “It’s not unusual for any player who has been off the grass long-term.
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    “I’m not surprised it’s happened but I’m disappointed for him.”
    Wales are also reeling from Ben Davies picking up a knee injury.
    The Tottenham defender, 29, is believed to have sustained a hairline fracture to the bone just underneath his knee.
    It saw him miss Spurs’ 6-2 home win over Leicester on Saturday and rules him out of Wales’ Nations League clashes with Belgium and Poland next week.
    Boss Antonio Conte revealed Davies played with the problem during Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat against Sporting Lisbon.
    The Italian told Sky Sports: “He had an injury in his knee in the game against Sporting Lisbon and he played with this injury.
    “(It’s) not a serious injury, I think after the international break because with the national team he is not available.
    “But I think after the international break he will be available for us.”
    Davies now faces a race to be fit in time for the North London derby at Arsenal on October 1. More

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    I donated sperm before losing testicle to cancer so I can have kids – my diagnosis left me in tears, says footballer

    HERTHA BSC midfielder Marco Richter has bravely opened up about his testicular cancer diagnosis – revealing his froze his sperm to ensure he can have kids in the future.Richter, 24, received the devastating diagnosis in July, but the tumour was identified early enough that it could be removed by surgery, with the player not needing chemotherapy.
    Marco Richter was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July and froze his sperm to ensure he can still have kids in the futureCredit: Getty
    He returned to training at the beginning of August and has since opened up about his ordeal.
    When speaking to German outlet Spiegel about his initial diagnosis, he said: “I could hardly speak and started crying.
    “One associates so many things with such a message. A tumour, cancer.”
    Richter also bravely admitted that one of his biggest concerns was his family and the possibility of not having children in future.
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    So, after being encouraged to do so by doctors, he decided to donate to a sperm bank.
    At the time he was also unsure if he would be able to play football again.
    But, the midfielder is now back in action with a positive mindset.
    He added: “I only have one testicle. So what? Everything works.”
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    And Richter now wants to educate others on the symptoms and effects of testicular tumours: “Get checked regularly and don’t play tough.
    “The early visit to the doctor was my great luck!”
    The Hertha BSC star is one of three Bundesliga players to have been diagnosed with a testicular tumour this year.
    Timo Baumgartl, who is on loan at Hertha Union from PSV, was forced out of action in April with the devastating diagnosis, but he returned to light training last month.
    And Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with a tumour in July shortly after joining the German giants.
    Two weeks ago, the 28-year-old revealed the early stages of treatment have not been easy.
    When collecting his Eredivisie top scorer award for the 2021-22 season, he said: “The first two or three days during the hospital (visit) and two or three days after, it’s not the best moment.”
    However, despite the struggle, Haller is keen to take the positives and has thanked his family, friends and team-mates for their support.
    Haller was also diagnosed with a tumour in JulyCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea ace Berger reveals recurrence of thyroid cancer with WSL player set for more treatment

    ANN-KATRIN BERGER will be receiving treatment this week after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer for a second time.The Chelsea goalkeeper, 31, shared details of the recurrence in a written statement published on her Twitter page.
    Ann-Katrin Berger is set to receive treatment after revealing a recurrence of thyroid cancerCredit: Getty
    It comes almost five years after the player was initially diagnosed with the condition in November 2017, during her spell at Birmingham City.
    The WSL ace went on to make a full recovery and was named in the PFA’s Team of the Year in 2018, before sealing a January 2019 move to the Blues.
    In her statement, Berger said: “I’ve said before that as a sportsperson, you have to fight every day to be the best you can be and that’s something I will continue to do.
    “I hope by sharing my journey I can help others that find themselves in a similar situation.
    “I am working closely with my club doctor and specialist in London, and my treatment will start this week.
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    “I remain positive that my treatment will be as effective as last time, and I’m looking forward to returning to the pitch and seeing you all at Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge.”
    In a message of support on their website, Chelsea wrote: “Everyone at Chelsea is behind her during this difficult time.
    “The club will provide any support we can to help her make a speedy recovery.
    “We look forward to seeing her back between the posts for the Blues as soon as possible.”
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    Berger has been a solid presence in goal for the Blues over the past three years.
    The Kingsmeadow ace helped the club win eight major trophies – including three league crowns following her 2019 arrival.
    And she won the WSL’s Golden Glove award in May 2021 after keeping 12 clean sheets in the 2020-21 season.
    Berger also helped her team to a league title and FA Cup double last term. More