- guardian.co.uk, Friday October 10 2008 10.35 BST
Geoff Horsfield during his playing days with West Brom. Photograph: Keith Williams/Sportpixs UK/Action Images
The former Birmingham, West Brom and Fulham striker Geoff Horsfield has revealed he is suffering from testicular cancer.
"I found a small lump in my left testicle and went to see the doctor at West Brom, who's a good friend of mine," said Horsfield. "I was diagnosed last Friday and I'm going in for surgery next Thursday."
Horsfield, who is 34, was hoping to earn a contract with Walsall after being released by Sheffield United in the summer, but has now been told he must retire. "The surgeon has told me that this is the end of my professional career, which is disappointing," said Horsfield. "But 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 said. "He says I stand a good chance of making a full recovery because we've got in early."
Popular among fans for his fighting qualities, Horsfield is perhaps best known for his goal on the final day of the 2004-05 season that helped West Brom stay in the Premier League.
