Football legend Mickey Thomas vows to beat stomach cancer after starting treatment

Football legend Mickey Thomas has started his treatment for stomach cancer after his diagnosis in January

The former Manchester United and Wales star has vowed to beat the illness, saying "I aim to beat this in 90 minutes with no extra time and penalties."

Mickey Thomas: "I aim to beat this in 90 minutes with no extra time and penalties." Credit: PA

Thomas, 64, has thanked fans for their love and support after he announced on Twitter that he was beginning treatment on Monday.

"Hi everyone, today is the day I start my treatment and my fight back against the big C. I aim to beat this in 90 minutes with no extra time and penalties. I have been blown away by the love, kindness and support I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

More than £13,000 has already been raised for the star since the crowdfunding page was set up three days ago.

Mickey Thomas shields the ball from Leonid Buryak Credit: PA

Thomas won 51 caps for Wales and spent three years at United between 1978 and 1981, making over 100 appearances for the Red Devils.

The winger also played for Everton, Brighton, Stoke, Chelsea, West Brom, Derby, Shrewsbury and Leeds, as well as spending nine seasons with Wrexham across two spells.

Thomas famously scored the equaliser with a free-kick when Wrexham, then of the fourth tier, knocked out league champions Arsenal in the 1992 FA Cup third round.

He made his final appearance as a 38-year-old in 1993.