On Wednesday, Bournemouth star David Brooks confirmed he has been diagnosed with cancer and manager Scott Parker says the club will “unite together” around the 24-year-old during his treatment
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Bournemouth manager Scott Parker opens up on the “tough week” which has seen David Brooks confirm his cancer diagnosis.
The Wales ace revealed in an emotional statement on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.
Brooks is confident of making a full recovery and could even play again before the end of the season.
Cherries’ boss Parker said on Thursday: “It’s been a very tough week for David and his family.
“He is a liked and loved member of the team. It’s devastating news for the football club, for his teammates, every member of staff and for his fans.
“David will start his treatment next week. We will unite together around David and give him the strength, along with his own strength.”
Parker went on to praise the 24-year-old by saying: “He is a very strong boy and I have no doubt he will be back amongst us and back out there, doing what he loves doing.
“My main message here is making sure we are right behind him and the great thing about football is it can unite people.
“It does not matter who you support or what colours you wear. David is feeling that and is going to need to feel it over the next few months.”
Brooks signed for the Championship outfit when they were in the Premier League three years ago, which saw ex-club Sheffield United recoup a £11.5million fee.
The wide man impressed during his first top-flight campaign, registering seven goals and five assists in the 2018-19 season.
Reported interest from Manchester United followed as he starred for Wales during qualification for Euro 2020, where he appeared three times this summer.
Brooks started seven second tier matches and registered one goal prior to his diagnosis, which he confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
“This is a very difficult message for me to write,” he began. “I have been diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma and will begin a course of treatment next week.
“Although this has come as a shock to myself and my family, the prognosis is a positive one and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back playing as soon as possible.
“I’d like to show my appreciation to the doctors, nurses, consultants and staff who have been treating me for their professionalism, warmth and understanding during this period.
“I want to thank everyone at the Football Association of Wales because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness,” Brooks continued.
“I’d also like to say thank you to AFC Bournemouth for all their support and assistance this past week.
“Although I appreciate that there will be media attention and interest, I would like to ask that my privacy is respected in the coming months and I will share updates on my progress when I am able to do so.
“In the meantime, thank you to everyone for their messages of support – it means so much and will continue to do so in the months ahead.
He added: “I look forward to seeing you all again and playing the sport I love very soon.”
