Former MU player dies at age 36

Joe Thompson, who played for Manchester United's youth team and became a symbol of the spirit at Rochdale, has died aged 36 after battling cancer.

According to The Sun , Thompson passed away peacefully at home on April 17, surrounded by his family.

Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013. After overcoming the disease, he returned to the pitch, continuing his career with Bury, Wrexham, Southport and Carlisle United. In 2016, Thompson returned to Rochdale, where he not only made his mark professionally but also as a symbol of resilience.

Despite a second recurrence of the cancer just months later, Thompson fought back and returned to the pitch less than a year later, scoring the only goal of the 2017/18 season to help Rochdale stay in League One in a historic moment for the club.

Thompson died after a years-long battle with cancer.

After retiring in 2019, Thompson turned to motivational speaking, sharing his journey through adversity and using his own story to motivate others facing challenges in life.

In April 2024, Thompson was diagnosed with cancer for the third time, at stage 4, with the cancer cells having spread to his lungs. Despite his deteriorating health, the former Manchester United player remained optimistic and fought to the end. He set up a GoFundMe page to support the cost of treatment and received more than £108,000 from the community.

Born in Bath on 5 March 1989, Thompson joined Manchester United's academy at the age of nine, where he was nurtured in a top-class professional football environment. However, Thompson's career really blossomed at Rochdale, the club he spent the majority of his 13 years as a professional.

Manchester United paid a heartfelt tribute to their former player: “Thompson was a man who embodied the values of Manchester United. He has had a special connection with the club since he was a child.”

“Joe’s legacy will live on. Thompson will always be remembered,” Rochdale said in an emotional statement. The club will wear black armbands in their match against Altrincham in memory of the former player, and will hold an official memorial service at home against AFC Fylde.

Source: https://znews.vn/cuu-cau-thu-mu-qua-doi-o-tuoi-36-post1547022.html