Bristol Rovers defender Nick Anderton retires at 26 amid ongoing cancer battle

443     0
Nick Anderton has been forced to retire at the age of just 26 (Image: Getty Images)
Nick Anderton has been forced to retire at the age of just 26 (Image: Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers defender Nick Anderton has sadly been forced to retire at the age of just 26 as he continues to battle bone cancer.

Anderton was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in July 2022 and is completing a course of chemotherapy. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer, a rare form that develops in the supporting tissue in the body.

The full-back had a biopsy after his diagnosis which revealed the cancerous cells were aggressive and required him to have chemotherapy. Rovers have rallied around the 26-year-old, with manager Joey Barton and the squad undertaking a number of fundraising efforts.

In January, 40 players, coaches and staff shaved their heads at a local Bristol barbers, raising £46,000 in the process. Barton also recently ran the Manchester Marathon in support of Anderton.

Sadly though, the nature of the operations Anderton has had to undergo to battle the cancer has meant he has now been forced to retire. The 26-year-old revealed the news with a statement on social media.

Ex-England star Gale preparing for future off pitch while starring for Keighley eiqeeiqrhiqezinvEx-England star Gale preparing for future off pitch while starring for Keighley

"I've had six months to prepare some words for this moment and I still don't know what to say. It's been extremely difficult to come to terms with but I've decided today is the day to announce that at the age of 26 I have to retire from professional football," the statement read.

Bristol Rovers defender Nick Anderton retires at 26 amid ongoing cancer battleThe Bristol Rovers squad shaved their heads in support of Anderton in January (@Official_BRFC/Twitter)

"This is due to an operation I had in October 2022 to remove a cancerous tumour from my right femur. This resulted in a complete knee replacement and a further 12 cm of my femur replaced.

"There was optimism that I could return to playing after the initial planner operation/treatment, but a scan five days prior revealed it would not be safe if they didn't replace the full joint, therefore the operation changed."

Anderton thanked his past and present team-mates, coaches and clubs for their support during his career. That took in spells at Preston and Blackpool before his career has now come to end with Rovers.

"Looking back at the last 10 years, I have nothing but fond memories. To every club I've represented, thank you for the opportunity. To ever manager and coach I've world under, thank you for the time you invested in me," Anderton added.

"To every player I've shared a dressing room with and every player I've competeed against on the pitch, thank you. It's been an absolute pleasure. I want to say a massive thank you to every cingle person who has sent messages, donated and said a prayer.

"Your kind words and support for me and my family throughout this journey has been incredible and we can't thank you enough. It's given me even more motivation to continue fighting and to complete every single millilitre of chemotherapy that I need."

Jacob Leeks

Football League One, Bristol Rovers FC, Joey Barton

Read more similar news:

06.02.2023, 16:44 • Sport
Wrexham boss details scale of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's involvement
06.02.2023, 17:50 • Crime
Exeter City striker Jevani Brown charged with assaulting a woman in city centre
18.02.2023, 10:50 • Sport
Michael Duff's inspirational coal mine trip rousing Barnsley's promotion effort
19.02.2023, 02:00 • Sport
Chelsea whizkid explains "strong message" that's paying off for Vincent Kompany
22.02.2023, 06:00 • Sport
Ian Evatt on Bolton's "terrible times" and the EFL Trophy light at end of tunnel
23.02.2023, 21:35 • Sport
Burn has gone from collecting trolleys to playing in cup final with Newcastle
03.01.2023, 11:53 • Sport
How Carrick and McKenna have fared in managerial jobs since leaving Man Utd
06.01.2023, 10:39 • Sport
Predicted snow could cause fixture chaos in already crammed schedule
07.01.2023, 17:06 • Sport
Football fan finds clever way to get girl's number despite supporting rival team
07.01.2023, 17:13 • Sport
Conte misses press duties after Vialli death continues tragic three months