Former British soccer The player Joe Thompson died this week after fighting cancer for the third time in more than a decade, his wife announced on social networks. I was only 36 years old.
Thompson, who officially retired from sport in 2019, died in the “morning hours” Thursday at home surrounded by his family. The news of his death came a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed Lymphoma.
Archive – Joe Thompson of Tranmere Rovers. (Ama/Corbis through Getty Images, Archive)
It was his third cancer diagnosis since 2013.
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“Joe has had so much impact on so many people and we are all always grateful for him by blessed with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us while he did it against all probabilities,” Chantelle Thompson wrote in an Instagram post on Friday.
“It was the husband, son, brother, friend and father more incredible to our beautiful daughters, who will now bring their light and legacy and continue to fill them with Joe’s love every day.”
Thompson, an ex Manchester United academy player, He made more than 200 appearances for the local rockdale club. The club issued a statement after his death.
Archive: Joe Thompson de Rochdale celebrates after scoring during a match in League Dos, in Rochdale, England, March 3, 2010. (PA through AP, file)
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“First we met Joe mainly as a talented soccer player, but we would soon grow to worship his love and infectious personality,” the statement reads partly. “He faced each battle in front, both inside and outside the field. His trip and his indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for all those who have been touched by their history.
“Above all, Joe was a loving husband of Chantelle and an incredible father of Tailula and Athena Rae. Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this incredibly sad moment.”
Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. He underwent treatment and returned to the field the following season for Bury Football Club. The cancer returned in 2016, but again underwent a successful treatment and returned only nine months later.
Archive: Joe Thompson de Tranmere during the Power League One between Tranmere Rovers and Brentford in Prenton Park on September 29, 2012 in Birkenhead, England. (Paul Thomas/Getty Images, Archive)
“It has been a long battle, and one that fought with all his strength and did things in his own way!
“He clung to his plans so that the future continues that legacy, but now is the time to rest and take care of the sky.”
Thompson survives his wife and two young daughters.
