Championship club Cardiff City have announced the sad news that defender Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with cancer. In a statement released via their official club website, they advised that Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
He has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment. The 35-year-old signed for the Bluebirds in 2016 and has become a fan-favourite at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Cardiff City Defender Sol Bamba Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Club Statement
The statement issued by Cardiff is as follows:
“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.
“Universally admired by teammates, staff and supporters in the Welsh capital, Sol has begun his battle in typically positive spirits and will continue to be an integral part of the Bluebirds family. During treatment, Sol will support his teammates at matches and our younger players within the Academy, with whom he will continue his coaching development.
“All future updates on Sol’s progress will be provided only via official Club channels. While we request privacy for him and his family at this time, messages of support to be passed on to Sol may be sent to [email protected].
“We are all with you, Sol.”
Cardiff City Fan-Favourite
Sol Bamba was signed by Cardiff in 2016 on a free transfer having been released by Leeds United. Prior to this, Bamba played for Paris Saint-Germain, Leicester City and Trabzonspor, among others. He has also earned 46 caps for the Ivory Coast national team.
Soon after signing for Cardiff, Neil Warnock who was manager at the time, famously said that he thought Bamba was better than Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk. “I think Van Dijk has got better attributes on the ball than Sol Bamba but I don’t think he is a better defender.
“I think Sol Bamba is slightly better than van Dijk defensive-wise. I think van Dijk has got more confidence on the ball and looks easier on the eye, but I don’t think he is better defensively.”
Bamba played a major part in helping the Welsh club reach the Premier League. He played 46 league matches and was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year. He would go on to play 28 games in the Premier League as the Bluebirds battled for survival, scoring four goals. Injury, however, would cut short his only season playing in England’s top tier.
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