YLTSI
Sol Bamba reached a significant milestone on Saturday, completing his first full league appearance since being diagnosed with cancer.
The Middlesbrough defender was unable to prevent his side losing 2-0 to Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, but later said that being able to play a full 90 minutes was a personal victory after his battle with cancer.
“It’s not my type to talk after a defeat,” the 36-year-old tweeted on Saturday evening.
“But on a personal note, it’s my first 90 minutes for months and after a hard-fought battle against cancer. I’ll take this victory for today and will look for one on the pitch next time.”
Everybody that knows me know it's not my type to talk after a defeat. But on a personal note, it's my first 90mns for months and after an hard fought battle against cancer. I'll take this victory for today and will look for one on the pitch next time 🙏🏾. Thank you all ❤️ pic.twitter.com/U9UO03pYkK
— Sol Bamba (@Sol14Bamba) September 11, 2021
Bamba was given the all-clear from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in May and was able to make a final appearance for Cardiff City as a substitute in their 1-1 draw with Rotherham at the end of last season.
He joined Boro on a one-year deal in the summer, reuniting with old Cardiff boss Neil Warnock.
Bamba was a late substitute in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 victory over Bristol City last month. He also played in the EFL Cup game against Blackpool days prior to that.