Forced to retire today, seems as tho the treatment has taken to much out of him according to Joe.
Well done for beating cancer twice Joe and all the best for the future
Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson, who twice recovered from cancer during his career, has announced he is retiring from professional football.
The 29-year-old played 203 games for Dale and said he had "pushed his body to the absolute limit".
After returning for the second time in December 2017, Thompson went on to score the goal that saw his side avoid League One relegation last season.
"My decision to retire is one of the hardest I've ever made," he said.
"I have battled through some of life's hardest challenges and have managed to overcome them. However, I've pushed my body to the absolute limit.
"My mind has grown stronger but with the intense treatment my body has had to endure over the last six years it is no longer able to perform to the demands of the professional game."
Thompson will attend Saturday's League One game against Coventry to say farewell to supporters and fans will be encouraged to applaud in the 15th minute - Thompson's squad number.
He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma while at Tranmere Rovers in 2013 and given the all-clear in 2014.
After being diagnosed with cancer again in March 2017, he was in complete remission and returned for the remainder of the 2017-18 season.
Thompson, who said he would now pursue a career in motivational speaking, mentoring and the media, added: "I believe I have a duty to mentor to younger professionals in the game.
"I also feel my story has the power to help others in all walks of life to overcome their own adversities and empower them to fulfil their potential."
Always sad to hear when a sportsman is having to retire early.It's a short career at best and being forced to give up on a life's ambition must be devastating. I wish him every success and hope he has a very healthy and happy life ahead.
Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson says "the fight is still inside" after receiving the news that he has been diagnosed with cancer for a third time.
The 35-year-old has stage four lymphoma which has spread to his lungs.
Thompson was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and recovered before the cancer returned in 2017. He went on to recover a second time.
recall that in a game I saw at Rochdale, a long while back, Thompson gave Ezra Konsa a VERY torrid time .. Konsa left the field injured and demoralised, physically, of course he was a much younger, smaller man then, he just could not cope Keep up the fight Joe
Comments
Well done for beating cancer twice Joe and all the best for the future
Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson, who twice recovered from cancer during his career, has announced he is retiring from professional football.
The 29-year-old played 203 games for Dale and said he had "pushed his body to the absolute limit".
After returning for the second time in December 2017, Thompson went on to score the goal that saw his side avoid League One relegation last season.
"My decision to retire is one of the hardest I've ever made," he said.
"I have battled through some of life's hardest challenges and have managed to overcome them. However, I've pushed my body to the absolute limit.
"My mind has grown stronger but with the intense treatment my body has had to endure over the last six years it is no longer able to perform to the demands of the professional game."
Thompson will attend Saturday's League One game against Coventry to say farewell to supporters and fans will be encouraged to applaud in the 15th minute - Thompson's squad number.
He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma while at Tranmere Rovers in 2013 and given the all-clear in 2014.
After being diagnosed with cancer again in March 2017, he was in complete remission and returned for the remainder of the 2017-18 season.
Thompson, who said he would now pursue a career in motivational speaking, mentoring and the media, added: "I believe I have a duty to mentor to younger professionals in the game.
"I also feel my story has the power to help others in all walks of life to overcome their own adversities and empower them to fulfil their potential."
I wish him every success in his future venture but most of all, health & happiness.
I wish him every success and hope he has a very healthy and happy life ahead.
Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson says "the fight is still inside" after receiving the news that he has been diagnosed with cancer for a third time.
The 35-year-old has stage four lymphoma which has spread to his lungs.
Thompson was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and recovered before the cancer returned in 2017. He went on to recover a second time.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68787302
Wishing a speedy recovery.
Keep up the fight Joe