A LALIGA footballer has been forced to step away from the game indefinitely because his cancer returned.
It comes just two-and-a-half years after he was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Kirian Rodriguez missed the first eight months of the 2022-23 season as he received treatment, returning to action in April 2023.
Now, though, he faces another extended spell out after confirming his cancer has relapsed.
The Las Palmas captain, 28, revealed at a press conference on Thursday morning that he will now undergo chemotherapy and miss the rest of the season.
But his return date is unknown as he focuses on his health.
Rodriguez said: “Thank the club and all the executives who are here, they have been very important to me.
“Thank the coaching staff and my teammates for their decision not to accompany me here, I think they need to be focused on the game.
“Yesterday they told me I have relapsed with cancer.
“I will have to stop again and go through another round of chemotherapy to fight the disease.
“I hope to see you all again in 2025-26, because I am 100 per cent convinced that the club, the players, and the coaching staff will see each other again in the First Division.”
Rodriguez has been a key member of the Las Palmas starting XI once again this season, with the skipper missing just one LaLiga fixture in early October with a muscle injury.
What are the signs of lymphoma?
LYMPHOMA is a term for cancer that starts in the lymph system – a network of vessels and glands that spans your body.
There are two main kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on which type of lymphoma it is and where it develops in the body.
The most typical signs are:
- Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit or groin area
- Night sweats
- Extreme tiredness
- Itching
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Excessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skin
Other signs of lymphoma in a more localised area include:
- Swelling of the stomach, loss of appetite and other abdominal symptoms
- Coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
But the Las Palmas medical team grew concerned as the midfielder’s physical conditioning dipped in recent weeks.
And the academy graduate – who has played all of his 134 professional matches for his boyhood club – was withdrawn midway through the second half against Girona on Monday as he struggled.
That was the earliest he had been substituted all season – except for when he suffered the injury.
Playmaker Rodriguez was unable to train on Tuesday or Wednesday before the announcement on Thursday.
He received various messages of support following the press conference.
Barcelona replied on X: “Much strength, Kirian.”
We wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge… we hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shown
Real Madrid
Malaga wrote: “All the strength in the world. The spirit of Malaga is with you, Kirian.”
A fan added: “Lots of encouragement, Kirian. You’re going to win this match, and by a landslide. Fans from all the teams in the league are eager to see you play as soon as possible.”
Another typed: “Wishing Kirian a strong recovery and a swift return.”
And Real Madrid shared this classy post: “Dear Kirian Rodríguez, we wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge.
“We hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shown.
“Real Madrid and all the Madridistas will be supporting you in this challenge.”
Las Palmas sit 15th in the LaLiga table after 22 matches, two points clear of the relegation zone.
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Rodriguez was subbed off early on Monday night against Girona[/caption]
He has been a key player for the club since returning from his eight months out when he first had cancer[/caption]
