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Former Tranmere Rovers footballer Joe Thompson revealed he has beaten cancer for a second time – and paid an emotional tribute to his wife for her support.

The 28-year-old, who now plays for Rochdale, announced on his Twitter feed on Wednesday night: “Simple terms, I’m cancer free” - sparking congratulations from across the world of football.

The midfielder first discovered tumours in his neck in 2013 and went through chemotherapy, but in March released a statement confirming “with regret” that the cancer had returned.

He has now been told he is in complete remission again.

Thompson tweeted: “Let me just confirm! #TWICE means I’m in complete remission!! Simple terms I’m cancer free. Extra Time & Penalties but THOMPSON 2 Cancer 0.”

His second diagnosis prompted him to launch a fresh fight with the support of his wife Chantelle and daughter Thailula-Lily, manager Keith Hill and his team-mates.

He said at the time: “I will fight this life hurdle with the same belief, courage and desire as my previous battle.

“The support shown to me since I discovered my illness has returned has been immense.

“I would like to thank my wife, Chantelle, who was my rock in my first encounter and will once again be by my side with the same encouragement, discipline and strength. Not to mention the love shown to me by both my wife and beautiful daughter Thailula-Lily who are both my motivations daily.”

On Wednesday night he tweeted a picture of his daughter holding his hand in hospital with the message ‘The Real Hero Took The Picture @chanteealexa Daddy’s Coming Home #TWICE’

He later added: “I’ll write a best selling book one day.”

Thompson played 32 games for Rovers in 2012 and 2013, before being diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s disease.

He fought through six months of chemotherapy before returning to football, joining Bury and then starting at Rochdale last summer.