Andy Goram, the famous Scottish goalkeeper who is a Rangers legend and also played for Manchester United, has announced that he has been diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer and has been given a life expectancy of just six months.
The 58-year-old has refused to undergo chemotherapy treatment because it would only extend his life by 12 weeks.
The Daily Record has reported that Goram, capped 43 times for Scotland between 1985 and 1998, went to Monklands Hospital seven weeks ago thinking he had indigestion.
"I thought I had severe indigestion. It was as if my throat was blocked. After a few weeks it got worse," Goram said to the Daily Record.
"Anything I ate or drank wouldn't make it halfway down my stomach and I would vomit it up. I couldn't talk face to face with my GP for two weeks. I was in total agony. I lost 25 kilos in four weeks."
At the hospital, Goram was diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer.
"The surgeon explained to me where the cancer was and that it was inoperable. If I don't undergo chemotherapy, I have an average of six months to live," he commented.
On his decision not to undergo chemotherapy, Goram gave his explanation.
"To take chemotherapy and be in agony for three more months with zero quality of life? No, thank you. Chemotherapy is off the menu. The priority now is to get the right mix of painkillers and morphine," he said.
"My pain is manageable. I can still go and see friends and fan clubs and still be myself.
"I will be here as long as I can. I will fight like I have never fought before. The only difference is the ticking time bomb that is ticking."
Goram played 184 games for Rangers, winning four league titles and three cups with the Scottish side.
The Manchester United website wanted to send a message of encouragement to their former player.
"Andy, everyone at United is thinking of you and sending you strength at this difficult time," read the message.