Long serving Cardiff City player Sol Bamba diagnosed with cancer

- Sol Bamba might have played his last game as a professional footballer

- The Ivorian star is undergoing treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer

- Bamba has made six appearances in all competitions for the Bluebirds so far this campaign

Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.

The Bluebirds confirmed this development and have assured the 35-year-old their support in the fight to beat the Non-Hodgkin lymphoma illness.

Bamba was instrumental to Cardiff gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and has featured in over a century of appearances for the club.

Formerly a Paris Saint-Germain, Leicester City and Palermo player, the 35-year-old is one of the most popular players in Neil Harris' team.

However, he has made just five appearances coming from the bench and one League Cup start so far this season.

"We are saddened to inform supporters that Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. With the close support of the Club's medical team, Sol has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment.

Meanwhile, he has found the back of the net 10 times after 117 games since he joined them about five years back.

France-born Bamba has played 46 times for the Ivory Coast, including World Cup appearances and was part of their African Cup of Nations squad when they were runners-up in 2012.

The likes of Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure have since taken to social media to show their support towards their former national team mate.

What is Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

According to Mayoclinic.org, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer originating from the lymphatic system and occurs when the body produces too many abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

One of the biggest tell-signs of the disease is swollen lymph nodes as well as stomach and chest pain.

Elsewhere former Chelsea and Bayern Munich utility player, Brian Laudrup conquered the cancer battle he fought for a decade.

The 52-year-old who hanged his professional boots in 2000 after last playing for Dutch League side Ajax confirmed the news on his official Instagram page.

Laudrup spent four years at Scottish League side Rangers and 33 goals in 113 appearances during his four-year reign at the Ibrox Stadium - becoming the fans' favourite due to his performances.

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