Ex-Brazil midfielder Ederson reveals cancer battle

Rio de Janeiro July 26 (IANS) Former Brazil international midfielder Ederson has revealed that he is battling testicular cancer.

The 31-year-old will undergo surgery next week and is not expected to play again for several months reports Xinhua news agency.

"I am upset but also confident about the days ahead " the former Lazio player told a news conference on Tuesday.

"It will be another battle and I have won a few in my life. I am sure that I will win this one too to play football as soon as possible " he added.

Flamengo doctor Marcio Tannure said the illness was detected after failed doping tests in which the substance beta-HCG which stimulates the production of testosterone was discovered in Ederson s urine samples.

Tannure added that Ederson who earned a solitary Brazil cap in 2010 had a 99 per cent chance of making a full recovery.

Flamengo President Eduardo Bandeira de Mello said Ederson would have the unconditional support of the club.

"When we had the first news of the anti-doping we kept our full confidence in him he is an example of an athlete " de Mello said.

"The cancer was detected after blood and image exams."

--IANS
ajb/vt