Dreadful news about Robson and Abidal puts things in perspective

Two pieces of horrible news yesterday that put all the silly things we get worked up about in football firmly in perspective. Former Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has had an operation to remove a tumour from his throat and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal will be operated on tomorrow to remove a tumour from his liver.

Greats

To hear that these two greats of the game are suffering from forms of cancer is sad news indeed and we all hope that the treatment they are getting leads to a quick and full recovery.

Robson underwent surgery two weeks ago and it is hoped that the operation together with further treatment will be successful. He is currently the coach of the Thailand national side and combines that role with one as an ambassador for Manchester United.

Statement

The Old Trafford club released the following statement.

“Bryan underwent an operation to remove a tumour from his throat. The laboratory report revealed a cancerous tumour, which will need further treatment. The oncologist is confident the condition is treatable. Bryan and his family have requested that he can continue with his treatment in private and ask that their privacy is respected.”

Robson, now aged fifty-four, was one of the best English players of his generation After starring for West Brom he moved to Manchester United for a record fee of £1.5m in 1981. In his thirteen years with the club he won three FA Cups, the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup and two Premier League titles.

Caps

He also captained England sixty-five times and won a total of ninety international caps.

Recognised as one of the greatest players of his generation, Robson started his professional career with West Brom in 1974 and scored 40 goals in 198 appearances.
He joined Manchester United for a then British record transfer fee of and continued to build his reputation as a courageous and talismanic central midfielder.

As a manager, Robson’s record has been less impressive. He has been in charge of Middlesbrough, West Brom, Bradford, Sheffield United and now Thailand, with only limited success.

Shocking

Even more shocking was the news about thirty-one year old French international Eric Abidal. The Barcelona defender has had an illustrious career, representing France in two World Cups. He joined the Catalan giants in 2007 and has played a huge part in their march towards further glory this season.

Barcelona issued a short statement earlier this week.

“A liver tumour has been detected in the player Eric Abidal and he will be treated surgically next Friday. Abidal will be operated on by Dr Josep Fuster Obregon. Per the express wish of the player, we call for the utmost respect for the right to privacy.”

Everyone at Soccernews sends their hopes and prayers to the two men and their friends and families.