Former Premier League defender Jose Enrique played his first match since overcoming a rare form of brain cancer yesterday, making an appearance in a Liverpool Legends game.
Enrique, who also played for Newcastle during his time in England, came on for the final 23 minutes of the game against Borussia Dortmund in Hong Kong.
Liverpool won the game 3-2, but the result was secondary compared to the 33-year-old's return to action.
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He posted an emotional message on Instagram following the match.
Following his retirement due to a knee injury, news emerged in 2018 that the left-back had been battling a rare form of brain cancer that only 'one-in-a-million' will suffer from.
Enrique was diagnosed with a chordoma, a rare type of tumour that occurs in the bones of the skull base and spine, but his was found behind the eye.
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He received the all clear in April and gave the message of 'onwards and upwards'.
Speaking to BBC in 2018, he stated,
"The tumour was sat on the nerve of the left eye, so that's what was the trouble.
"The thought of dying was the most scary thing. I was like, I'm 32 and have always been a healthy person. It was a big shock for me.
"(After the surgery) was the most difficult time. I spent 24 hours in intensive care and five days in bed after that without moving," he told BBC.
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"I had to take tablets to sleep, I couldn't eat for the first few days, I had to go to the toilet in the bed.
"Even at home, my head has been banging and I have to take medication."
Seeing Enrique back on the pitch will put smile a smile on anyone's face after his amazing recovery.
Featured Image Credit: PA & @joseenriquee3/InstagramTopics: Liverpool, newcastle, Jose Enrique, Borussia Dortmund
