Celebrity deaths

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ron Yeats dead: Liverpool legend and ex-captain described as ‘colossus’ dies aged 86 after battle with Alzheimer’s

      by

      LIVERPOOL legend and former captain Ron Yeats has passed away at the age of 86.The former Scotland defender died on Friday night after a battle with Alzheimer’s.Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats, right, has died at the age of 86Credit: ColorsportYeats, third from left, won two First Division titles and the FA Cup at LiverpoolCredit: PAOnly Steven Gerrard has captained Liverpool more times than YeatsCredit: GettyThe Reds released a statement which read: “We are mourning the passing of our legendary former captain Ron Yeats.”The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ron’s family and friends.”Yeats was described by iconic Liverpool manager Bill Shankly as a “colossus”.The twice-capped Scotland international was a part of the team that won the Second Division in 1962, before he went on to win the First Division in 1964 and 1966.READ MORE ON LIVERPOOLHe also claimed the FA Cup in 1965 as Liverpool beat Leeds 2-1 at Wembley.He racked up 454 appearances for Liverpool – 400 of which came as captain, a number beaten only by Steven Gerrard.Prior to joining Liverpool in 1961, he helped Dundee United into the top flight as they were promoted from the Second Division.Following his departure from Anfield after ten years at the club, he spent three years at Tranmere.Most read in FootballRon Yeats’ careerGames: 697Goals: 21International caps: 2Honours: Scottish Division Two promotion, English First Division x2, English Second Division, FA Cup, American Soccer LeagueLiverpool appearances: 454Games as Liverpool captain: 400He also enjoyed a brief spell on loan in the US with Los Angeles Skyhawks where he won the American Soccer League.He retired in 1978 after short spells with Formby and Rhyl.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsSpeaking about his highlight moments at Liverpool, Yeats said: “There have been two of them. Being the captain that took the club out of the Second Division after eight years was a very, very proud moment.“We won the league by eight or nine points that season and to follow that by being the first captain of Liverpool to lift the FA Cup is something I am very proud of.”I do not go round with the medals on my chest, it is just there for me to say.”Liverpool beat Leeds to win the 1965 FA CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Tragedy as ‘exceptional’ footballer, 21, dies with ‘heartbroken’ club paying tribute to ‘big hit’ Player of The Year

      by

      TRIBUTES have poured in for football star Dylan Akue who tragically died aged just 21, his club announced today.Dylan had won Sheppey Sport FC’s ‘Player of the Year’ award last season and was been described as an “exceptional” player by the club.Dylan Akue was just 21 years oldCredit: x.com/@SheppeySportsFCThey led the tributes and were “heartbroken” to learn of his untimely passing and say they will do what they can to support his family at this difficult time.In a tribute on X, the north Kent based club added: “His ability to beat a player, create chances and score goals was worth the admission price alone.”His raw talent was exceptional and he had the attitude and personality to match it.” More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Is there a hidden camera?’ – Norway team baffled as drug testers ‘ask for Erling Haaland and striker who died in 1962’

      by

      NORWAY’S manager asked his country’s Anti-Doping Agency: “Is there a hidden camera?”This came after the Norwegian anti-doping agency selected two players who have been DEAD for more than 41 years.Norway’s Anti-Doping Agency surprised the squad at training this weekMan City duo Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb were called up for testingNorway boss Stale Solbakken had his say after the agency recalled two players who have long since passed awayNorway’s boss Stale Solbakken and his squad had a surprise visit by drug-testers before their Nations League fixtures kick-off this week.The agency selected Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb for a urine sample, and to the surprise of everybody present – two players who sadly died many years ago.Testers called for Jorgen Juve and Einar Gundersen to be examined, according to The Times.But Juve, Norway’s all-time top goalscorer, died in 1983 and Gundersen, often regarded as the first Norwegian superstar, passed away in 1962.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSolbakken, 56, told reporters that he started looking around for a hidden camera, believing his team were victims of a possible prank.It turned out that an agency official had simply picked players from Norway’s all-time top goalscorers’ list with a couple more added on.Solbakken told a news conference: “We had a visit from Anti-Doping Norway yesterday.”The following players were selected for testing: Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Antonio Nusa, Bobb, Gundersen and Juve.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Then I start to wonder. These were the names that were read out, and it was serious. So we had to call Anti-Doping Norway and ask, ‘Is there a hidden camera?'”To add the ever growing list of gaffes, Man City’s Bobb could not be tested because he was not in the squad after fracturing his leg before the start of the Premier League season.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsJuve, who scored 33 goals for Norway, was born in 1906 and died aged 76 in 1983.While Gundersen, who scored 26 national goals, was born in 1896 and died in 1962 at 66 years old.The inevitable Haaland is second on the list at the moment with 31, meaning his next three goals will see him surpass Juve’s record.Anti-Doping Norway said it was working to clarify how Juve and Gundersen ended up on the list of players to be tested.Bobb, 21, will miss Norway’s Nations League games against Kazakhstan and Ralf Rangnick’s Austria. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Brit champion boxer Callum Simpson’s sister Lily Rae, 19, dies in Zante car crash as he pays heartbreaking tribute

      by

      CHAMPION Brit boxer Callum Simpson’s sister has tragically died in a horror car crash in Greece. Lily Rae Simpson, 19, had gone to Zante for a sunny vacation when she met with the fatal accident. Callum Simpson’s sister has tragically died in a horror car crash in GreeceCredit: Instagram @callumsimpLily-Rae Simpson was visiting Zante for a holiday when the tragic crash took placeCredit: Instagram @callumsimpThe teen was rushed to Athens in an air ambulance where she was given urgent medical treatment – but died on August 21 of the injuries. A heartbroken Callum shared the tragic news on social media yesterday. Posting a picture of him posing with his little sister, the boxer wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to say that my beautiful little sister, Lily-Rae, was in a road accident while on holiday in Zante.”She was flown to Athens and spent 10 days in ICU, but despite the best efforts of the medical teams, Lily sadly passed away.”Callum, a British, Commonwealth and WBA Continental Champion from Barnsley, said he would “continue to make her sister proud”.He added: “Even though she used to ring me to complain about being referred to as ‘Callum Simpson’s sister’, I know she loved the hype. ” I will continue to make her proud. Love you always.”Callum Simpson’s rise as a boxer EXCLUSIVE By Wally Downes Jr, Boxing Reporter Callum Simpson used to fit Kell Brook’s shoes but now he wants to fill his boots.Barnsley’s 27-year-old super-middleweight put himself through college with a part-time job in a menswear shop where Sheffield’s former welterweight world champ would pop in for free gear.Simpson would have to race up and down stairs to cater for his celebrated fellow Yorkshireman.But now the tables have turned and Brook will drive 12 miles up the M1 to support Simpson, in his bid to dethrone dangerous British and Commonwealth champ Zak Chelli.Simpson told SunSport: “Between the ages of 16-18 I worked part-time, while I was still in college, in a clothes shop that sponsored Kell Brook.“When Kell would come in I would have to wait for him to pick all the shoes he wanted, run upstairs to find them all in his size, then loosen all the laces so he could slide them on, like Cinderella. Simpson would have to race up and down stairs to cater for his celebrated fellow Yorkshireman.But now the tables have turned and Brook will drive 12 miles up the M1 to support Simpson, in his bid to dethrone dangerous British and Commonwealth champ Zak Chelli.Ahead of Saturday’s shootout at Simpson’s beloved Barnley’s Oakwell stadium, he told SunSport: “Between the ages of 16-18 I worked part-time, while I was still in college, in a clothes shop that sponsored Kell Brook.“We would get free tickets for his fights when they were at the Sheffield arena and my mates would always tell me ‘that’ll be you one day’.“And now I am signed with Boxxer and Sky Sports and Kell has messaged me to say he will come over and watch.“So going from loosening his shoes to having him at ringside will be a nice and surreal moment. But it’s all come from hard work.”Simpson continued to subsidise his training and fighting with work in fashion right up until last year when he broke out of the small-hall circuit.He’s timed his 14-0 form perfectly as the new Saudi money flooding into the sport is giving some of these brave men the fortunes they deserve.But boxing fans should remember the blood, sweat, tears and honest toil they all go through to get anywhere near the top.“This stuff doesn’t happen overnight,” the down-to-earth lad said.“When I had my first area title fight in 2022, my first 10-rounder, I was training twice a day and working 45hr weeks, Saturdays and Sundays.“For that fight, I weighed in at Friday lunchtime and rushed into work to make up the time, then boxed on Saturday and worked all day Sunday.“My second fight was a four-rounder in 2019, on a Josh Warrington undercard at Leeds arena and I worked the next day.“This stuff doesn’t happen overnight,” the down-to-earth lad said.“When I had my first area title fight in 2022, my first 10-rounder, I was training twice-a-day and working 45hr weeks, Saturdays and Sundays.“For that fight I weighed-in at Friday lunchtime and rushed into work to make up the time, then boxed on Saturday and worked all day Sunday.“My second fight was a four-rounder in 2019, on a Josh Warrington undercard at Leeds arena and I worked the next day. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Juan Izquierdo’s cause of death confirmed by mother after tragic footballer, 27, collapsed and died on pitch

      by

      JUAN IZQUIERDO’s mother has revealed the cause of his death.The Uruguayan footballer died after he collapsed during a Copa Libertadores match in August.Juan Manuel Izquierdo tragically died last monthCredit: AFPHe collapsed on the pitch during Nacional’s clash with Sau PauloCredit: AFPHe was taken away in an ambulance but was confirmed dead before reaching hospitalCredit: AFPIzquierdo, 27, collapsed on the pitch while playing for Nacional against Sau Paulo in the round of 16 tie.Medics attended the star on the pitch before he was taken to hospital.Nacional confirmed Izquierdo’s death on social media with a statement which led to a host of tributes being made to the defender.Sandra Viana, Izquierdo’s mother, was told by doctors that a virus had become “lodged” in his heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShe told Sport890: “We wanted to know what caused the arrhythmia because Juan had never had heart problems.”The doctors studied the case and told us that he had caught a virus.”He had only complained of having swollen lymph nodes. “The doctors told us that the virus had lodged in his heart, and that the impact of the match and the high pace had caused the arrhythmia.Most read in Football”That’s what the cardiologists and neurologists told me.”When Juan arrived at the Albert Einstein Hospital, he was dead.Watch emotional Darwin Nunez console his son on the pitch after shocking brawl at end of Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia Statment by Nacional on Juan IzquierdoHere is the statement that was relaesed by Nacional after Juan Izquierdo passed away…It read: “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo.“We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.”All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”RIP Juan, you will be with us forever.”His mother, Sandra Viana, revealed that he has a virus in his heart”They took 19 to 20 minutes to resuscitate him. It doesn’t occur to us to make any kind of judgement.”The Albert Einstein Hospital behaved very well, they did everything possible for Juan.”They allowed us to be in the ICU the whole time. We have nothing to complain about the hospital.”Sandra had to have the difficult task of telling Izquierdo’s two-year-old daughter that he would not be coming back.The star had only just welcomed his second child days before the tragedy.She said: “It’s hard to tell a two-year-old girl that her father is not coming.”Polenta brought Juan’s truck from Los Cespedes and she thought that her father was coming.”Izquierdo’s funeral was on August 29, 2024Credit: GettyHis father, Nelson, was heartbrokenCredit: AFP More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Football world pays emotional tribute to Sol Bamba with ex-teammate shaken ‘to my core’ by news of tragic death at 39

      by

      SOL BAMBA’S untimely death aged just 39 has seen an outpouring of emotion from the football world.The Ivory Coast international passed away after falling ill while working in Turkey on Friday following a battle with cancer.Neil Warnock shared a close bond with Sol BambaCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former Cardiff defender tragically passed away this weekCredit: GettySol Bamba was a popular figure in English footballCredit: RexBamba, who leaves behind wife Chloe and their three children, was a hugely popular figure within the game.And the esteem with which he was held had been reflected by the messages shared on social media in the wake of his tragic passing.Neil Warnock, who signed Bamba before leading Cardiff to the Premier League, paid a glowing tribute.He wrote on X: “I can’t believe I won’t see that beaming smile again.READ MORE ON BAMBA”I’m so happy that Sol was part of my life and we had such brilliant memories together.”I’m heartbroken for Chloe and the family and all my thoughts are with them.”Sol was a ray of sunshine and I’ll miss him so much.”Former Cardiff defender Lee Peltier wrote on X: “Love you brother. Rest easy my big brother – always there for me, will never forget.”Most read in FootballEx-Bluebirds defender and manager Mark Hudson said: “Never had the chance to witness what a truly great man and leader you were.”We have shared stories and I loved our chats, however brief. My heart goes out to Sol’s family. I am devastated for you.”Junior Hoilett, who won promotion with Cardiff alongside Bamba, said: “RIP Big Bro. Love Always.”Ipswich’s Sam Morsy, who was with Bamba at Middlesbrough, wrote: “Ahhh man big Sol .. incredible human one of the best I’ve shared a dressing room with, at the start of his coaching career.”Writing in Arabic, Morsy added: “We belong to Allah and to him we shall return.”Former Middlesbrough defender Cyrus Christie said: “This news has shook me to my core. Only the other day we spoke as you started your managerial career.”Fly high brother, may your soul rest in peace. One of the nicest and most humble guys to grace this game. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family.”Sol Bamba poses with wife ChloeCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoThey had three children togetherCredit: Instagram @cebambaSol Bamba enjoyed a long careerCredit: RexCurrent Cardiff left-back Callum O’Dowda said: “Heartbroken. Despite everything you went through, you epitomised the most positive outlook on life. A lesson I will hold forever. My thoughts are with your family.”Bluebirds goalkeeper Jak Alnwick wrote: “Rest in peace Sol, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever come across in football.”And Neil Etheridge, a team-mate of Bamba’s at Cardiff, said: “One of the nicest guys I have met off the field and on it.”Always smiling, always so happy, always seeing the brighter side of life.”When I joined the club, before he knew me, Sol treated me as a brother. When we got to know each other we became family. Rest in peace Sol.”Ex-Cardiff winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing wrote: “My guy always looked out for me. Love you brother.”Cardiff, where Bamba made 118 appearances, said the centre-back was a “hero” and described his impact at the club as “immeasurable”.Bamba’s health battlesSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Leeds – another former club – said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”A Football Association of Wales statement read: “The FAW is devastated to hear the sad news of Sol Bamba’s passing.”Sol obtained his coaching badges with the FAW and was currently studying for his Uefa pro licence, where everyone he worked with admired his positivity and his love for the game.”Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Sol’s family, friends and everyone that knew him during this difficult time.”Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.Wife’s statementHe had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy.Bamba’s wife Chloe paid tribute to the gentle giant in a heartbreaking statement.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31 August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.” More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      What type of cancer did Sol Bamba have? Understanding the ex-Leeds United and Cardiff City defender’s cause of death

      by

      SOL Bamba, the star footballer who played for Cardiff City and Leeds United, has sadly passed away.But what type of cancer did the football legend have? Here’s everything you need to know. Sol played for Cardiff, Leicester City and Leeds UnitedCredit: Getty ImagesSol was born in France and also played for Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty ImagesWhat type of cancer did Sol Bamba have?Sol battled with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a disease that 13,000 people are diagnosed with a year in the UK.The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is more common in people who have surpressed immune systems.Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can be diagnosed with a biopsy. There are two types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: high-grade lymphoma (where the cancer grows quickly) and low-grade (where the cancer grows more slowly). Read more in healthcareChemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatments, but most forms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma are considered to be treatable. When was Sol Bamba diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?Sol announced that he had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2021 and that he was undergoing treatment. In May 2021, just four months after he made the announcement, he told fans that he was now cancer free. However, the cancer later returned and he tragically passed away.Most read in FootballWhat has Sol Bamba’s wife said about his death?Sol met his wife Chloe while playing for Leicester and the couple had three children together. When Sol sadly died, she said: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it.”I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.”Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking.”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”Who did Sol Bamba play for?Sol played for some of the top football clubs in the world.He began his career with Paris Saint-Germain, at the age of 11. As his career progressed, he moved to the Scottish team Dunfermline Athletic and later Hibernian. Sol became a household name though when he joined Leicester City in 2011.His time with the club was short though and he moved to the Turkish team Trabzonspor in 2012. READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, after a brief stint with Palermo, he moved to Leeds United where he quickly rose the rank of captain. After this, he joined Cardiff City and later Middlesborough. What are the signs of lymphoma?LYMPHOMA is a term for cancer that starts in the lymph system – a network of vessels and glands that spans your body.There are two main kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on which type of lymphoma it is and where it develops in the body.The most typical signs are:Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit or groin areaNight sweatsExtreme tirednessItchingUnexplained weight lossFeverExcessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skinOther signs of lymphoma in a more localised area include:Swelling of the stomach, loss of appetite and other abdominal symptomsCoughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain  More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Sol Bamba’s touching final tweet as former Leicester and Cardiff star tragically dies at 39 after health battle

      by

      SOL BAMBA’S final tweet was a heartfelt tribute to former manager Sven Goran Eriksson.The retired defender tragically passed away aged 39 after falling ill on Friday following a brave fight with cancer.Sol Bamba passed away this week after a brave fight against cancerCredit: Instagram @solbambaThe defender played for Leicester from 2011-2012Credit: GettyHe paid tribute to former Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson in his final post on XCredit: GettySol Bamba had three children with wife ChloeCredit: Instagram @solbambaTributes have flooded in from former clubs, as well as Bamba’s heartbroken wife Chloe.Eriksson’s tragic death aged 76 after his own battle with cancer was confirmed by his family on Monday.Bamba played under the Swede with Leicester and the Ivory Coast and paid a moving tribute to the manager.He wrote: “Deeply devastated by the news of Sven’s passing today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He was not just an exquisite person, but he was also the best coach I’ve ever had, inspiring my journey as a player but also as a manager.”My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sven.”A fan later replied under the post: “Quite fitting your own final message was one of such respect and sincerity. Incredibly sad news. RIP Sol.”Bamba was working as a technical director for Turkish club Adanaspor when he was taken ill before a game against Manisa BBSK on Friday.Most read in FootballA statement from Adanaspor posted on Saturday night read: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.Sol Bamba is a Cardiff legend after helping the Bluebirds to promotionCredit: Instagram @solbambaHe will be sorely missed by many fansCredit: Instagram @solbambaHe had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy – with wife Chloe, who paid tribute to the popular former defender.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it.”I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.”Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking.”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”BAMBA’S HEALTH BATTLESSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”Cardiff said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Leeds said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMiddlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.” More