Jose Enrique reveals death fears after his battle with cancer

Jose Enrique has revealed that he feared he was going to die as the former Liverpool defender continues his battle with cancer.

Talking to BBC Sportsworld, the 32-year-old said: 'Even if the doctor says 'don't worry, it's a tumour', you don't believe it and are like 'am I going to die tomorrow?'

He underwent successful surgery in May having been diagnosed with a rare brain tumour that threatened his eyesight.

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

Enrique made 127 appearances for Newcastle and then 99 for Liverpool following a £6.5m move in August 2011.

He continued: 'When you have the word tumour thrown around, it is a really scary moment.

'I remember being in the hospital with my partner Amy and we were shaking. I have never shaken like that in my life.

'They said I could have had the tumour since I was born, it could be 20 years or 25, they said it can be there for a long time.

'I lost the vision of my left eye. The tumour was sat on the nerve of the left eye, so that's what was the trouble.

'The thought of dying was the most scary thing. I was like, I'm 32 and have always been a healthy person. It was a big shock for me.'

Enrique, who finished his playing career with a spell at Real Zaragoza, drew strength from former Newcastle team mate Jonas Gutierrez, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2013 and given the all-clear after a year.

The Spaniard will travel to Paris in the autumn to begin 35 sessions of radiotherapy, while his surgeon has received messages of thanks from Enrique's former Liverpool team mates Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Leiva, Luis Suarez and Pepe Reina.