FORMER Manchester United starlet Joe Thompson has died at the age of 36.
The Bath-born midfielder had been diagnosed with cancer for the third time in April last year, following his retirement from the game in 2019.
He was found to have stage four lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which had spread to his lungs.
Thompson had twice recovered from the disease during his playing career, which began and ended with Rochdale.
He had come through Manchester United's academy from the age of nine before going on to join the Dale, where he spent the vast majority of his 13-year career.
The Red Devils paid an emotional tribute to their former academy star, saying: "A man who epitomised our club's values - we are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
"A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time."
The star's death had been confirmed by his beloved team Rochdale, which said he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday.
In an touching tribute, the club also shared their "devastation" upon hearing the news.
They wrote: "Joe, who had been bravely battling cancer for a third time, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, with his family by his side.
"Known by those close to Rochdale as ‘Joey T’, he made over 200 appearances for his local team, representing the badge with pride.
"We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality."
The club, which Thompson joined first in 2005, added: "He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch.
"His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.
"Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae.
"Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
Thompson was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.
After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.
Thompson went on to have spells at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016.
However, his disease came back for a second time just a few months later.
Bravely facing the disease, Thompson summoned up the will to fight it off, managing to return to action just nine months after playing his previous match.
He made his way further into the Rochdale history books after he scored a crucial goal after coming on as a substitute in the final game of the 2017/18 season.
It was his finish that helped secure a 1-0 victory, ensuring Rochdale would be promoted to League One.
The star made one more appearance for the club before his retirement in 2019.
After leaving the beautiful game, Thompson moved into the world of public speaking.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he explained how the "aggressive" lymphoma was already at stage four.
It had also spread to his lungs, making it difficult to breathe and sleep.
And although it "hurt" him to get another diagnosis, Thompson had vowed to battle against it and win again.
He said: "It’s far from ideal and it's come back quite aggressive, so stage four.
"The only positive is it is the same cancer as what I've had previously, but the issue for me this time is its gone on to my lungs, so breathing is a problem, sleeping is difficult and even talking sometimes can be quite hard.
"You’ve only got a certain amount of time on this earth. I always think you want to make the biggest impact you can possibly do on so many lives as possible.
"That’s where I’m at so I’ve got to lead from the front. I’m going to need cavalry and I’m ready for them to rise up and we’ll just get through it again, and then we look at the future."
He had also created a GoFundMe at the time, to help with his treatment, which raised more than £108,000.
Thompson was born in bath on March 5, 1989, before moving to Rochdale at a young age.
At just nine-years-old, he joined the Manchester United academy, remaining there until he was 16.
Then, in the summer of 2005, he joined Rochdale on a youth training scheme deal, making his debut for the first team against Carlisle United the following May.
He went on to become a regular for the team, playing an integral part in the Dale's promotion to League One in 2010.
In 2012, his first spell at the club came to an end, with 157 appearances made and 17 goals scored.
Despite moving to Tranmere Rovers, he made a return to Rochdale for a loan spell that season, totting up seven appearances.
After spells at many other clubs, he always found himself coming back to the Dale.
As a tribute, Rochdale's first team will wear black armbands during today's match at Altrincham.
There are also plans to pay tribute to the star at the club's next home game against AFC Flyde on Easter Monday.
Rochdale adeded: "Joe’s legacy will live on forever - he’s one of our own."
