Miklosko stops his cancer treatment and attends West Ham with emotion

West Ham United supporters greeted Ludek Miklosko with great enthusiasm prior to Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool, following the former keeper’s announcement that he would no longer be receiving cancer treatment.

In order to enjoy life, the 63-year-old Czech, who played in nearly 400 games for West Ham, stated he had chosen to discontinue chemotherapy. Three years ago, he found a tumor on his hip and was given a cancer diagnosis.

Miklosko stated in a statement prior to Sunday’s game at the London Stadium, “I decided not to take the chemotherapy, because I want to live a normal life,” while waving as supporters cheered and sang his name.

“My life has consisted of my job and football, and I am surrounded by wonderful people. For as long as I can, I want to continue doing it.

“When they told me about what the chemotherapy would mean, it was a case of not being able to work or be around my colleagues for around six months, not travel, have some sickness and everything else, and I said no – I do not want that.”

During his eight years with West Ham starting in 1990, Miklosko won over many fans, and his name is still sung.

His career started at his hometown club, Banik Ostrava, where he presently serves as Sporting Director.

“Lots of friends have said to me that, if they didn’t know what I was going through, they would think that I was fine, which is nice for me to hear, because I want to feel like that for as long as possible,” Miklosko stated.