John Hartson had emergency neurosurgery to relieve pressure on his brain yesterday in his increasingly complicated fight against cancer.

The 34-year-old former Celtic, West Ham United and Arsenal striker went to hospital in Swansea on Friday with symptoms of testicular cancer and tests showed that the tumours had spread to his brain. Yesterday, the hospital confirmed that the cancer is also present in Hartson’s lungs.

“He is being cared for by the critical care team and is receiving round-the-clock care aiming to stabilise his condition,” the hospital said.

“He will resume radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible.”

Hartson's family said in a statement: "His partner Sarah, Mum, Dad, three children, brother, two sisters and very close friends are all continuing to support John in any way we can.

"He is receiving outstanding care from all the medical and surgical staff and we would like to thank everyone at both Singleton and Morriston, as well as the excellent ambulance staff.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support and goodwill from many thousands of football fans, players, clubs and sporting figures and we have drawn strength from this support.

"Finally, we would like to ask that John's privacy, and that of our family, is respected as John continues his treatment in hospital."

Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, consultant medical oncologist at ABM University NHS Trust, said that a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy would be started as soon as possible and that he could foresee many months of treatment.

"Mr Hartson will continue under the care of the specialist consultant oncologists as we aim for a positive outcome from this treatment," he said

"We realise that Mr Hartson is a much-loved figure and there are many fans and well-wishers who will be keen to hear news of his progress.

"However, while treatment is ongoing, we would ask that the privacy of Mr Hartson, and all the patients who attend our hospital, is respected."

Hartson signed for Celtic in 2001 and was a popular figure with fans during the five years he spent at Parkhead. A Celtic spokesman said: "He has served the club, and the game of football in general, with distinction over many years.

"Clearly, everyone at the club fully supports John and his family at this extremely difficult time."