Former Fulham, Birmingham and West Brom striker Geoff Horsfield has revealed he is suffering from testicular cancer.
The 34-year-old, who was released by Sheffield United last summer, has been forced to retire as a result and will undergo surgery next week.
He told the Daily Mirror: "I was diagnosed last Friday and I'm going in for surgery next Thursday.
"The surgeon has told me that this is the end of my professional career, but that's at the back of my mind now."
Horsfield began his career at Scarborough in 1992, and his scoring exploits at Halifax earned him a �300,000 move to Fulham in 1996.
He said: "I've had 10 good years with Fulham, Birmingham, Wigan, West Brom and all the other clubs I've played for and enjoyed it.
Horsfield has been told he has a good chance of recovery after the diagnosis was made early.
"The specialist told me I did well to find the lump because it is so small," he added.
Horsfield, who finished last season on loan at Scunthorpe, had been training recently with League One Walsall.
The Barnsley-born forward has also played for Wigan, Leeds and Leicester.
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