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Hartson in a critical condition

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Former Wales and Celtic FC forward John Hartson is in a critical but stable condition after doctors discovered the testicular cancer they had diagnosed him with has spread to his brain and lungs.

Fomer Celtic striker John Hartson is in a critical but stable condition
Fomer Celtic striker John Hartson is in a critical but stable condition ©Getty Images

Former Wales and Celtic FC centre-forward John Hartson is in a critical but stable condition after being diagnosed with cancer.

Disease spreads
The 34-year-old was told he had testicular cancer just over a week ago and doctors then found the disease had spread to his brain and lungs. He underwent surgery in the Morriston Hospital, Swansea, to relieve pressure on his brain before resuming radiotherapy treatment.

Record fee
Hartson began his career with Luton Town FC but was soon on his way to Arsenal FC in a €2.9m transfer, a British record fee for a teenage player at the time. Spells at fellow London clubs West Ham United FC and Wimbledon FC followed. He made his Wales debut in March 1995 and went on to win 51 senior caps, scoring 14 goals. The biggest move of Hartson's career saw him join Celtic for €6.9m in August 2001 and he stayed with the Scottish Premier League side for five seasons. In February 2008, following stints with West Bromwich Albion FC and Norwich City FC, he decided to retire from football, citing long-term struggles with fitness.