Manchester United mourns the loss of a former footballer who inspired many people with his fight against cancer.
Manchester United mourns the loss of Joe Thompson. The former talent of the English record champion died at the age of 36. He leaves a woman and two children.
“A man who embodied the values of our club,” wrote United in a statement: “We are sad to have to communicate that Joe Thompson died. Joe is a warm personality who had a deep connection to our club at a young age.”
At Thompson, a cancer was diagnosed for the third time in April of last year, the BBC writes. He had already had to end his career five years ago.
“He has faced every fight”
Most recently, he had played with today’s fifth division FC Rochdale. The club stated that the former midfielder had died peacefully in the circle of his family.
“He has faced every fight, both on and next to the field,” says a Rochdale statement: “His path and his indomitable spirit were an inspiration for everyone who was touched by its history.”
In 2013, Hodgkin lymphoma was found for the first time at Thompson, who once played for United in youth. The diagnosis in 2017 suffered him again. He defeated the disease both times.
And: he returned to the soccer field: in 2018 he scored the goal that prevented the descent from the 3rd league. Thompson started in 2019 – after he “pushed his body to the absolute limit”, as he explained himself. He then worked as a TV expert and motivational speaker.
“I never wanted to be known as a big or good footballer,” said Thompson: “But if you ask me if I want to be known as a great man? I can do something with it.”