In what is surely going to be the best news to break in football this season, Athletic Club have confirmed that defender Yeray Álvarez has once again beaten cancer, after undergoing chemotherapy for a second bout of testicular cancer.
The 22-year-old Basque centre-half was originally diagnosed with the disease in 2016, but was cleared to play again after receiving treatment.
The testicular cancer returned in June of this year, however, and Yeray underwent chemotherapy, which it has been revealed today has worked, clearing Yeray of the illness for a second time.
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Speaking at a news conference, Athletic's head coach Jose Angel 'Cuco' Ziganda confirmed the news, saying, "He has responded to the treatment and we are all delighted. It appears he has healed. This news is bigger than anything else."
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An official club statement read, "Yeray Alvarez has ended the treatment phase that was in place since June for his illness. In the coming days he will receive the all-clear to begin the stage to progressively join the team while at the same time his active surveillance programme will be planned."
Athletic Club's La Liga rivals Real Betis have been quick to send their well wishes to Yeray in the wake of his second victory over cancer.
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The cancer cost Yeray his place at this summer's Euro U21 championships, but we're sure he doesn't mind missing out on that tournament now he's been given the all clear.
When the cancer returned this summer, all of Athletic Club's players shaved their heads in solidarity with their teammate.
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Let's hope it's the last time they have to do so.
Congratulations, Yeray. A true champion.
Yeray Alvarez 2-0 Cancer.
(H/T ESPN)
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