Bournemouth’s David Brook diagnosed with cancer

David Brooks

is sure that he will recover and return to action after he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The Wales midfielder was part of his national team’s squad last week but had to leave the international duty and undergo tests, which determined he has stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.

He will start his treatment next week.

The 24-year-old said in a statement:

"This is a very difficult message for me to write. 

"I have been diagnosed with stage two 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. 

"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 their support and assistance this past week.

"Although I appreciate that there will be media attention and interest, I would like to ask that my privacy is respected in the coming months and I will share updates on my progress when I am able to do so.

"In the meantime, thank you to everyone for their messages of support – it means so much and will continue to do so in the months ahead.

"I look forward to seeing you all again and playing the sport I love very soon."

He made a move to

in 2018 and had an amazing first season with the club, meeting the back of the net seven times and contributing five assists in 33 matches.

This season, he scored three goals in nine games.

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