Lecce captain Mancosu clear of cancer

epa08521884 Lecce's Marco Mancosu celebrates after converting a penalty during the Italian Serie A soccer match between US Lecce and Sampdoria Genoa at the Via del Mare stadium in Lecce, Italy, 01 July 2020. EPA-EFE/ABBONDANZA SCURO LEZZI

Lecce captain Marco Mancosu reveals he has been declared clear of cancer following surgery to remove a tumour in March.

The player had kept it a secret during the final weeks of the season, claiming his operation was for appendicitis.

He explained the truth in a moving social media post on May 5 and said he was postponing chemotherapy until after the Serie B season had concluded.

The check-up was finally held this morning and Mancosu announced he was declared free of cancer, so does not require further treatment.

He will have checks every six months, but the 32-year-old is otherwise healthy.

Lecce reached the Serie B promotion play-off semi-finals, but were eliminated by Venezia, Mancosu missing a penalty.