footballer

A former footballer has told how he was in "complete shock" after being diagnosed with blood cancer - after first believing the pain was from a pulled muscle.

In the 14th edition of the annual charity football match between England and a World XI - which mixes celebrities and former footballers - the World XI won 5-4, as £15m was raised for children's charity Unicef.

The talents of the world's best footballers can often leave those watching speechless.

But as the former footballer was conferred his knighthood on Friday, reports of family drama threaten to overshadow the milestone.

A footballer from southern Scotland who played on with stage four cancer has died at the age of 20.