Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba is being treated for cancer, the Championship club has announced.
The 35-year-old Ivory Coast international has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is undergoing chemotherapy.
"Sol has begun his battle in typically positive spirits and will continue to be an integral part of the Bluebirds family," said the Bluebirds.
Bamba joined Cardiff in October 2016 under former manager Neil Warnock.
The National Health Service Wales describes the illness as "a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.
"The lymphatic system is part of your immune system".
The Bluebirds said Bamba is "universally admired by team-mates, staff and supporters in the Welsh capital".
The club's statement added: "During treatment Sol will support his team mates at matches and younger players within the Academy, with whom he will continue his coaching development.
"While we request privacy for him and his family at this time, messages of support to be passed on to Sol may be sent to club@cardiffcityfc.co.uk."
"We are all with you Sol."
Bamba helped Cardiff win promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and has made more than 100 appearances for the club.
The former Paris St Germain player has been a hugely popular member of the squad, though this season he has been restricted to five Championship substitute appearances and one League Cup start.
He is a much travelled player who has had spells at Dunfermline, Hibernian, Leicester City, Trazbonspor and Italian club Palermo as well as Leeds United.
France-born Bamba has played 46 times for the Ivory Coast, including World Cup appearances and was part of their African Cup of Nations squad when they were runners-up in 2012.
Latest Stories
-
World Bank’s food price index eases; maize, wheat prices hit 3-year low
27 mins -
2020 polls all about pulling Ghana back from precipice of destruction, corruption – Naana Jane
30 mins -
Guru expresses interest in contesting SRC election at UG
37 mins -
Oil prices projected to average $84 in 2024 – World Bank
47 mins -
Meet 2 Ghanaian entrepreneurs on a mission to connect 1m African professionals to global companies by 2034
1 hour -
NCA approves Starlink’s satellite broadband application
1 hour -
Government orders FGR to revamp mining operations; assures workers of commitment to their welfare
1 hour -
Arne Slot philosophy could suit Liverpool – Van Dijk
2 hours -
EC replies Mahama: You also appointed someone who was tagged NDC
2 hours -
See colourful outdoor of Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as NDC’s running mate
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo commissions 15MWP Kaleo Solar Power Plant
2 hours -
GCB Bank PLC leads African financial integration, hosts ZICB delegation
2 hours -
Empowering Girls in ICT: FAWE Ghana advocates for gender equality in the Tech sector
4 hours -
Rangnick ‘contacted by Bayern Munich’ about manager job
4 hours -
Winneba Youth Choir celebrates 35th Anniversary with Aseda Concert sponsored by Fidelity Bank
4 hours