News / Football
Bristol Rovers’ Nick Anderton retires at 26 amid cancer fight
Nick Anderton said he has “nothing but fond memories” of his ten year-career as he announced his retirement from professional football on Friday.
The much-loved member of Bristol Rovers was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in 2021.
The 26-year-old, who has not played for Joey Barton’s squad since, said he was “at peace” with his decision to withdraw from football.
is needed now More than ever
“I’ve had 6 months to prepare some words for this moment and I still don’t know what to say,” Anderton wrote in an emotional statement posted on Twitter and Instagram.
“It’s been extremely difficult to come to terms with, but I’ve decided today is the day to announce that at the age of 26 I have to retire from professional football.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgkIFW-IjHh/
He continued: “This is due to an operation I had in October 2022 to remove a cancerous tumour from my right femur.
“This resulted in a complete knee replacement, and a further 12cm of my femur replaced.
“There was optimism that I could return to playing after the initial planned operation/ treatment but a scan 5 days prior revealed it would not be safe if they didn’t replace the full joint, therefore the operation changed.
“Looking back at the last 10 years, I have nothing but fond memories. To every club I’ve represented, thank you for the opportunity.
“To every manager and coach I’ve worked under, thank you for the time you invested in me.
“To every player I’ve shared a dressing room with and every player I’ve competed against on the pitch, thank you.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure. I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who has sent messages, donated and said a prayer.
“Your kind words and support for me and my family throughout this journey has been incredible and we can’t thank you enough.
“It’s given me even more motivation to continue fighting and to complete every single millilitre of chemotherapy that I need.
“Thank you.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmcfi6JIJrP/
Main photo: Bristol Rovers
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