MICHAEL ROBINSON, the former Ireland and Liverpool striker, has revealed he has been diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer.
The 60-year-old, who works as a sports broadcaster in Spain, has advanced melanoma skin cancer.
He revealed the news on a Spanish radio show, later posting on Twitter his gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Rara vez una persona puede llegar a sentir tantas muestras de cariño como estoy recibiendo. Si por un momento me faltara ánimo ya me habéis reforzado. Estoy muy agradecido y sintiendo como si estuviera en Anfield cuando cantaban ‘You’ll never walk alone’. Miles de gracias!!
— Michael Robinson (@michaelrobinson) December 17, 2018
Robinson told La Ventana host Carles Francino: "I’d rather not have to fight this battle, but unfortunately I’m in this fight and I’m sure I’m going to win it.”
A regular for Ireland under Eoin Hand, the Leicester-born striker made 24 international appearances, scoring against France and Holland in qualifiers for the 1982 World Cup.
In his single full season at Liverpool in 1983-84, he helped the Reds win a treble of League, League Cup and European Cup.
Media career
The former Preston, Manchester City, Brighton and QPR player finished his career with Osasuna in Spain and continued to work in the country as a commentator after he retired.
He has since become one of the most respected sports broadcasters in the country, having hosted the popular football TV shows El Dia Después and Informe Robinson, the latter of which is still going strong after more than 10 years
Players and teams have offered their support to Robinson, including former club and country teammate Mark Lawrenson, who recently got the all clear after a cancer scare.
Shocked to hear about Michael Robinson & his Cancer Diagnosis...His Prognosis is not good but he was a ‘Bull in Stature ‘ as a Player & he can Fight this..Robbo followed me to Preston/Brighton/Liverpool & Ireland before his Spanish Sojourn.. Good Luck Cat-We’re with you.👍
— Mark Lawrenson (@MTLawrenson) December 18, 2018
Liverpool FC would like to wish Michael Robinson well in his battle with cancer. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with our former player and his family at this time.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 17, 2018
The FAI sends best wishes to former Ireland international Michael Robinson in his battle with illness
Michael scored four goals in 24 senior appearances, including this one against France in 1981 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/HrPH1F0ych
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) December 17, 2018
Everybody at the the PFA is thinking of former @LFC and @ManCity striker, Michael Robinson.
We have read Michael's radio interview, and been inspired by his words 'I now have to decide how to live, I have that power'. Sending you and your family our best wishes, Michael. pic.twitter.com/l6C75mfbi8
— PFA | Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) December 18, 2018
💙 Preston North End would like to wish former player Michael Robinson well in his battle with cancer. The thoughts and best wishes of everyone at PNE are with Michael and his family. #pnefc pic.twitter.com/2yz33TvoPi
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) December 18, 2018
Everyone at the club would like to wish former player Michael Robinson a speedy recovery after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer.#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/hK3aOgmTfL
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) December 18, 2018
