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Geoff Horsfield last night revealed he has been forced to retire after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The former Fulham, Birmingham and West Brom striker was given the devastating news after discovering a lump in his left testicle and will have surgery next week.

Horsfield, 34, had hoped to earn a contract with Walsall after being released by Sheffield United in the summer, but is now determined to win the biggest battle of his life.

"I found a small lump in my left testicle and went to see the doctor at West Brom, who?s a good friend of mine," he said.

"I was diagnosed last Friday and I'm going in for surgery next Thursday. The surgeon has told me that this is the end of my professional career, which is disappointing.

"But I've had 10 good years with Fulham, Birmingham, Wigan, West Brom and all the other clubs I've played for and enjoyed it.

"That's at the back of my mind now. It's just one of those things and I've come to terms with my career being over.

"All I'm thinking about now is beating this. I've always been a fighter right through my football career and I'm going to fight this and win."

Horsfield has been told he has a good chance of making a full recovery because he acted so quickly.

"The specialist told me I did well to find the lump because it is so small," he said. "He says I stand a good chance of making a full recovery because we?ve got in early."

Posted By: Charles21, Oct 10, 17:17:33