Joe Thompson, ex-Rochdale midfielder, dies 36 years old after the third cancer battle

The former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson, graduate of the Manchester United’s Academy, died on Thursday after a third fight against cancer, the club said on Friday.

“We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to worship his loving, infectious personality,” said Rochdale in a statement.

“He looked at every battle head -on and next to the field. His journey and his inventible spirit were an inspiration for everyone who was touched by its history.

“Above all, Joe was a loving husband who was weakened to Chantelle and an incredible father of Thailula and Athena Rae.”

In November 2013, 23 -Hodgkin -Lymphoma at the age of 23 was diagnosed in Thompson in November 2013. He returned to the plot with Bury in August 2014.

The cancer returned in December 2016 after Thompson had reorganized to Rochdale, his hometown club, but he was able to resume his career again a year later.

He played in a FA Cup collision against Tottenham in Wembley in February 2018 before helping Rochdale to ward off League One’s descent by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against Charlton on the last day of the season.

Thompson was forced to retire at the age of 29 and said that he had pushed his body to the border and since then used his experience to help others.

“A man who embodied the values ​​of our club … A warm personality who had a deep connection to our club at a young age are our thoughts in this difficult time with Joe’s family and friends,” said United in an explanation.