Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, the club have confirmed.
The 21-year-old, who made his La Liga debut last year, is due to undergo surgery next Tuesday.
Athletic president Josu Urrutia and club medical chief Jotxean Lekue held a press conference on Friday, at the behest of the player, in which they confirmed the diagnosis and expressed their admiration for the player's positive approach.
"During the day [on Thursday] Yeray had medical tests which detected a tumour in one of his testicles," Lekue said.
"It requires an operation which will take place next week.
"The player is okay, strong, calm. He's showing maturity, not only on the pitch, but also off it. He's optimistic. We're all with him, too."
You aren't alone @yerayalvarez4. Send your support message using the hashtag #eutsiYeray . We'll send him all your best wishes.
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) December 23, 2016
Messages of support have been sent to Athletic and Yeray since the announcement, including from La Liga rivals Villarreal and Osasuna plus team-mate Mikel San Jose.
"You have all of us by your side!" he tweeted.
> ..... - Goal