Ivory Coast star diagnosed with cancer

Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Cardiff City has confirmed.

Bamba, 35, has amassed 46 caps for the Elephants since making his international debut in 2008 and has developed a reputation as a powerful centre-back over the decade.

Since joining Cardiff from Leeds United in the 2016/17 season he's featured 117 times for the first-team and played a crucial role in their Premier League promotion two seasons ago.

The Bluebirds said in a statement that Bamba is 'universally admired by teammates, staff and supporters' while adding that he will continue working at the club within the academy.

"We are saddened to inform supporters that Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma," read the statement from the Championship club.

"With the close support of the Club's medical team, Sol has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment.?"

The statement added: "During treatment, Sol will support his teammates at matches and our younger players within the Academy, with whom he will continue his coaching development.?"