Molina faces second cancer fight

Molina had a tumour in his testicles discovered in June 2001 but despite initially appearing to respond to treatment, it has returned and has been diagnosed as being malignant.

The Spanish international keeper held a press conference where he revealed he would travel to Valencia to continue his medical treatment.

On June 18 2001, Molina underwent an operation in Coruna and everything appeared to be fine until on Wednesday doctors discovered serious complications.

Hence Molina will face a series of chemotherapy, with doctors saying his chances of full recovery stand as 'good'.  "Tomorrow (Tuesday) they (the doctors) will see me, will put me under tests and then plan the treatment," said the player.

He added: "It will be impossible to dismiss them (Depor) from my thoughts.

"At the moment I am just thinking about returning to a normal life.  Football will have to wait. 

"It is the the worse moment of my life and I will confront it with the help of my friends and with maximum energy."

Molina has already been out of the Deportivo side with a knee injury, although he now faces a much more serious battle for his health.

To look for role-models who have returned to top competitive action, Molina should look to American cyclist Lance Armstrong and Bulgarian striker Luboslav Penev as a couple of sportsmen who have overcome their ailments.

Depor president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro gave his full backing to Molina and promised that the club would do everything they could to help him and would honour their contract with the star custodian.

"He is a close friend, a very special person within the club, not just another body.  He has a personality that leaves an impression on you and we hope to enjoy it again soon."

The 32-year-old joined Deportivo in 2000 and had previously played for Alzira, Valencia B, Villarreal, Albacete and Atletico Madrid.  He has played in 281 games in the top-flight, conceding 352 goals.