John Hartson has undergone emergency neurosurgery after being diagnosed with cancer.
Former Wales international's cancer has spread to lungs
John Hartson has undergone emergency neurosurgery at Morriston Hospital in Swansea after being diagnosed with cancer.
The former Celtic, West Ham and Arsenal striker was told he had testicular cancer which has also spread to his brain at the weekend.
Hartson, 34, underwent tests at the Singleton Hospital after complaining of severe headaches before being transferred to Morriston for an operation to relieve pressure on his brain.
A spokesman for the NHS Trust which runs Morriston Hospital later confirmed that the disease had now also been found in Hartson's lungs.
The spokesman said: "He is currently being cared for by the critical care team at Morriston and is receiving round-the-clock care aiming to stabilise his condition.
"Unfortunately, cancer has now also been diagnosed in his lungs. He will resume radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible."
Overwhelmed
Hartson's family issued a statement paying tribute to the medical attention he was receiving and requesting privacy for the former Wales international.
It read: "His partner Sarah, mum (Diana), dad (Cyril), three children, brother, two sisters and very close friends are all continuing to support John in any way they can.
"He is receiving outstanding care from all the medical and surgical staff and we would like to thank everyone at both Singleton and Morriston, as well as the excellent ambulance staff.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support and goodwill from many thousands of football fans, players, clubs and sporting figures and we have drawn strength from this support.
"Finally, we would like to ask that John's privacy, and that of our family, is respected as John continues his treatment in hospital."
