Selangor FC Captain Brendan Gan Diagnosed With Cancer
The Harimau Malaya stalwart underwent surgery to remove the tumour and is under medical supervision.
By Ahmad Hamizan @ Mike Miz — 27 Jul 2021, 02:21 PM
Selangor Football Club (FC) announced that their captain Brendan Gan has been diagnosed with testicular cancer
The Malaysian Super League side revealed on Twitter yesterday, 26 July, that Gan had received surgery to remove the associated tumour and is currently being monitored by their medical team.
"Despite being diagnosed with the condition, he remains optimistic and in fact, (is) stronger than ever. We hope everyone will pray for his health and provide him some privacy during his recovery," the tweets continued.
The club went on to say that Gan is determined to recover from his illness and is eager to return to playing football as soon as possible.
They also coined the hashtag '#HereWithBrendan'.
The club accompanied the announcement with a picture of his teammates holding up Brendan Gan's jersey in solidarity.
Image via @selangorfc (Twitter)Amidst the revelation, Gan uploaded a posting in high spirits, while aiming to raise awareness of the condition
"My life's story has been nothing but positives, even the so called 'negatives' have given me strength and always made me find the bright side in every situation," he wrote on Instagram.
He cites his wife, child, family, and friends as blessings who have been there for him throughout any hurdle, and that his current bout with cancer will not define him.
"Its (sic) only a short scenic route that I will navigate through and get back to my blessed path that I was living prior," the 33-year-old said.
"My motivation is to fight the big 'C' and get back out there leading the boys very soon."
His posting included a 'testicular cancer awareness' graphic superimposed onto a picture of himself.
The Australian-born footballer has had a journeyman career, playing for a litany of clubs Down Under before returning to Malaysia
Born in the suburban outskirts of Sydney, he came through the ranks at his local side the Sutherland Sharks, making his senior debut as a 20-year-old.
He went on to play for Australian top-flight side Sydney FC for three years, before plying his trade in Malaysia for the first time via Sabah FA in 2012.
Gan was back in Australia a year after, playing for the Rockdale City Suns after Sabah did not offer him a contract extension.
However, in 2014, the northeastern side Kelantan FC signed him, marking the moment of his homecoming in earnest.
A call-up to the national side in 2016 followed, and he has amassed 18 caps for Harimau Malaya to date.
He had only signed for Selangor FC ahead of the 2020 Malaysian Super League season, becoming captain of the club in only his second season.
Gan is expected to sit out the rest of the season due to his battle with cancer.
