David Brooks has thanked medical staff at the Football Association of Wales for detecting his stage two Hodgkin Lymphoma at an early stage, with the Bournemouth midfielder hopeful he can make a full recovery after he begins treatment next week.
The former Manchester City academy player, who joined Bournemouth from Sheffield United in 2018 for £11.5m, withdrew from Wales squad that secured two victories in World Cup qualifying last week citing illness, having last played for his club on 29 September. On Wednesday Brooks said on social media that he had been diagnosed with a cancer that mainly affects adults in their early 20s or over the age of 70.
“This is a very difficult message for me to write,” he said. “I have been diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma and will begin a course of treatment next week. Although this has come as a shock to myself and my family, the prognosis is a positive one and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back playing as soon as possible.
Brooks added: “I’d like to show my appreciation to the doctors, nurses, consultants and staff who have been treating me for their professionalism, warmth and understanding during this period. I want to thank everyone at the Football Association of Wales because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness. I’d also like to say thank you to AFC Bournemouth for all of their support and assistance this past week.”
Hodgkin lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, and usually involves between two and four rounds of chemotherapy. Bournemouth’s chief executive, Neill Blake, said Brooks would not be rushed back.
“Everyone at AFC Bournemouth will do everything possible to help support David and his family during his recovery,” he said.“We’re not putting any timescales on his return; we will give David all the time he needs to get well and will do everything that we possibly can to help with that. I know everyone will be keen to show their love and support for David which will help him immensely as he recovers, but we also urge you all to respect his and his family’s privacy.”
Brooks, a boyhood Manchester United fan, joined City at the age of seven before being released as a teenager and signing for Sheffield United. He represented England at youth level but has 21 Wales caps and was part of Robert Page’s Euro 2020 squad.
