Former Newcastle and Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has revealed he has had surgery to remove a rare brain tumour and is now in recovery. The 32-year-old, who retired from playing in 2017 after a spell with Real Zaragoza, said he was diagnosed with a chordoma in his skull and there were fears it could cost him his sight.
Enrique wrote on Instagram: “Sorry i haven’t been around much, It has been the toughest few weeks of my life. Within the space of one month I have found out the news that I have a rare brain tumor and had surgery to have it removed, I am now in recovery and so thankful, Life is too precious.”
“There are only four machines in Europe. My options are to go to Zurich or Paris. I have to have 35 sessions. It will take about a month and a half, but that is not important. I want to get well. I was told that I might stay blind, but then I regained my vision and even the doctors were surprised. I want to thank my girlfriend, my parents and my brothers, as well as Dr Simal, his team and La Fe hospital,” he further revealed in an interview.