Australian soccer player Dylan Tombides has died following a battle with testicular cancer.
The 20-year-old, who played for English club West Ham United, was diagnosed with the disease in 2011 while representing Australia at the under 17s World Cup in Mexico.
In a statement, the English Premier League club said Tombides died last Friday having “courageously fought the disease for three years”.
“His positive attitude and professional approach to his football and training always impressed and boosted his team-mates and coaches alike,” the club said.
“Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on the game and his larger-than-life character. He was a loving son, amazing brother and well-respected member of the West Ham squad.
“He will be hugely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him.”
The club said Tombides had sought to raise awareness of the disease after his diagnosis.
“Away from the pitch, Dylan did a huge amount of work to raise awareness of male cancer, supporting the One for the Boys campaign at a number of high-profile events alongside the likes of Hollywood star Samuel L Jackson, snooker star Jimmy White and fellow Australian Peter Andre,” the club said.
Source: ABC