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Jose Enrique has opened up on his battle with a brain tumour, admitting he was "scared s***less" by the initial diagnosis.

Former Reds defender Enrique underwent surgery in May having been diagnosed with a rare brain tumour that threatened his eyesight and started radiotherapy in Paris back in November.

Having retired from playing, he opted to become an agent and the 32-year-old was in a meeting with Brighton Chris Hughton in London when he complained of feeling unwell.

And when he was given the diagnosis, the Spaniard conceded he was terrified by the news in an interview with Marca (via The Mirror ) in his homeland.

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I was in a meeting with Brighton's coach and I started seeing lights and lights," he said. "I knew something was happening.

"When they give you the news you are scared s***less. After that you value everything more, my life changed for the good.

"I surprised myself at how positive I was, but of course there were bad days. It has been fundamental to surround myself with my people and people who love me."

"It was very high risk. Luckily I put myself in the hands of the healthcare system and later I had to risk a new treatment in Paris, proton therapy.

"As a consequence of that (proton therapy) I cannot cry, I cannot generate tears."

(Image: James Maloney)

Enrique left Anfield in September 2016 to join Real Zaragoza, but not before he had the chance to captain Liverpool in an FA Cup tie against Exeter.

The Reds ran out 3-0 winners on the night and the former left-back is thankful of Jurgen Klopp for giving him the honour of skippering the side.

"At first he seems a bit crazy, but after that you see he is a phenomenon," added Enrique.

"His personality sticks to the players and they make rock and roll. I really appreciate that he let me be captain of Liverpool for a match."