Former British soccer Player Joe Thompson died this week after fighting cancer for the third time in more than a decade, his wife announced on social networks. He was only 36 years old.
Thompson, who officially retired from the sport in 2019, died Thursday at the “early hours” at the house surrounded by his family. The news of his death occurred a year after revealing that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma.
File – Joe Thompson from Tranmere Rovers. (Ama / Corbis via Getty Images, File)
It was his third cancer diagnosis since 2013.
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“Joe had such an impact on so many people and we are all grateful for him to bless ourselves with his presence and to be so strong and to stay with us as long as he made it against all the chances,” wrote Chantelle Thompson in an article on Instagram on Friday.
“He was the most incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father of our beautiful girls, who will now have his light and her inheritance and I will continue to fill them with Joe’s love every day.”
Thompson, an old Manchester United Academy player, Make more than 200 appearances for the Local Rochdale club. The club published a statement after his death.
File – Joe Thompson de Rochdale famous after marked in a League Two match in Rochdale, England, March 3, 2010. (PA via AP, file)
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“We first knew Joe mainly as a talented footballer, but we would grow soon to love his loving and contagious personality,” said the declaration. “He faced each front battle, on and off the field. His trip and his indomitable mind were an inspiration for all those who were affected by his history.
“Above all, Joe was a chantelle loving husband and an incredible father of Thailula and Athena Rae. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joe at this incredibly sad moment.”
Thompson was diagnosed for the first time with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. He underwent treatment and returned to the field the following season for Bury Football Club. Cancer returned in 2016, but he again underwent a successful treatment and returned nine months later.
File – Joe Thompson de Tranmere during the Power League One match between Tranmere Rovers and Brentford in Printon Park on September 29, 2012, in Birkenhead, England. (Paul Thomas / Getty Images, file)
“It was a long battle, and that he fought with all his might and he did things in his own way !! he chose his way and traveled each stage with courage and pride approaching God every day while being there for so many others”, continued the declaration of Chantelle Thompson.
“He has kept his plans for the future to continue this heritage, but it is now time for him to rest and watch over us from heaven.”
Thompson is survived by his wife and their two young girls.
