Wales' David Brooks 'confident' he can play again after being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma

Wales midfielder David Brooks has been diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.

The 24-year-old joined Bournemouth from Sheffield United in 2018 and was part of the Wales squad at Euro 2020.

Brooks has made nine appearances for the Cherries in all competitions this season and withdrew from Wales' October World Cup qualifiers through illness.

The player has now announced that he has cancer of the lymphatic system and will be starting treatment soon.

"This is a very difficult message for me to write," Brooks said in a statement. "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."

"I'd also like to say thank you to AFC Bournemouth for all of 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."

"I look forward to seeing you all again and playing the sport I love very soon."

Bournemouth said on Twitter: "We're all behind you, Brooksy", with chief executive Neill Blake promising to support the midfielder every step of the way.

"Everyone at AFC Bournemouth will do everything possible to help support David and his family during his recovery," he said.

"We're not putting any timescales on his return; we will give David all the time he needs to get well and will do everything that we possibly can to help with that.

"I know everyone will be keen to show their love and support for David which will help him immensely as he recovers, but we also urge you all to respect his and his family's privacy during this time."

In a statement, the Football Association of Wales said "the whole Welsh football family extend their support and best wishes to David during his treatment."

Ryan Giggs, who has managed Brooks with Wales, said: "I'm sorry to hear the news of David Brooks. Thankfully the illness has been detected early and I'm hopeful and confident of a full recovery.

"Brooksy is someone I have had the pleasure of coaching as the manager of Wales and someone who I have seen grow and develop as a person and a footballer.

"I'm sure everybody in football will send him their wishes in his fight against the illness and hopefully see his amazing talent once again on a football pitch."

Former Wales international John Hartson posted on social media too, wishing Brooks "the very best."