Geoff Horsfield has been forced to retire from football after revealing that he is suffering from testicular cancer.

The 34-year-old former Birmingham City and Fulham forward, who was released by Sheffield United last summer, is expected to undergo surgery next week.

"I found a small lump in my left testicle and went to see the doctor at West Brom, who's a good friend of mine," he said. "I was diagnosed last Friday and I'm going in for surgery next Thursday. The surgeon has told me that this is the end of my professional career, which is disappointing.

"But I've had ten good years with Fulham, Birmingham, Wigan, West Brom and all the other clubs I've played for and enjoyed it.

"That's at the back of my mind now. It's just one of those things and I've come to terms with my career being over.

"All I'm thinking about now is beating this. I've always been a fighter right through my football career and I'm going to fight this and win."

Although Horsfield's diagnosis is serious, doctors have told him he has a good chance of making a full recovery after they caught the problem early.

"The specialist told me I did well to find the lump because it is so small," he said. "He says I stand a good chance of making a full recovery because we've got in early."