There are still good stories in football, it’s not all about money and agent fees. The former PSG, Leicester City and Leeds man Sol Bamba, who was diagnosed with cancer in December 2020 is cured and back to playing football. The Cardiff City man was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve, before the club made the news public in January. Bamba underwent six rounds of chemotherapy before announcing to the world in May that he was cleared and ready to go back. His incredible story ended with a cameo appearance for Cardiff City with less than a month since his last chemo, a really remarkable achievement.Absolutely delighted to join @Boro, thankful to have the opportunity to keep playing but also start my journey as a coach 🙏🏿 A new challenge where I will be happy to bring all the energy and the experience our season will require. Blessed to be back after all. See you guys soon❤️ pic.twitter.com/xFj9nNclhS— Sol Bamba (@Sol14Bamba) August 10, 2021 Since then, Bamba was released by Cardiff and reunited with his former Bluebirds coach Neil Warnock. Sol has signed a one-year contract with Middlesbrough, and while he has joined as a player, he will also be working with Academy youngsters at Boro. Needless to say that Warnock was happy to welcome his old player back. “Initially Sol had asked if he could come and train with us, and I was more than happy. He’s a great lad to have around. When we were away in Cornwall he was at Rockliffe and helped with the U23s and U18s, and everyone was really impressed with him. I have to be honest, I didn’t expect him to look as sharp as he has done after everything he’s been through, but he’s done remarkably well. At the moment the priority for him is to concentrate on his fitness and being in the squad, but we want him to be involved with the U23s as well. I feel he’s just the type of person we need to be involved with that age group. He has bags of experience and he will be a real asset for us both on and off the pitch. I’m delighted to have him on board” Neil Warnock said for the club website.BLACKPOOL – MIDDLESBROUGHBamba has made over 400 career appearances for various clubs, from PSG and Hibernian, to Leicester City, Trabzonspor, Palermo, Leeds and Cardiff, along with being a regular in the Ivory Coast National team.
