Former Carlisle United captain Nick Anderton, who is fighting cancer, has announced his retirement.

The Bristol Rovers defender, 26, says he is unable to continue playing following treatment for osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

Anderton underwent surgery to remove part of his right thigh bone, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

The man who played for the Blues from 2020-21 says he found it hard to come up with the words to express today's news.

He says he has been preparing for this moment for six months but still found it difficult to describe his decision, although said he was "at peace" with calling it a day.

In a statement on social media - the day before his 27th birthday - Anderton said: "It's been extremely difficult to come to terms with, but I’ve decided today is the day to announce that at the age of 26, I have to retire from professional football.

“This is due to an operation I had in October 2022 to remove a cancerous tumour from my right femur.

“This resulted in a complete knee replacement, and a further 12cm of my femur replaced.

“There was optimism that I could return to playing, after the initial planned operation/treatment, but a scan five days prior revealed it would not be safe if they didn’t replace the full joint, therefore the operation changed.”

Anderton expressed his gratitude for all the support he has received, and for the career he has enjoyed.

“Looking back at the last ten years, I have nothing but fond memories,” he added.

“To every club I’ve represented, thank you for the opportunity.

“To every manager and coach I’ve worked under, thank you for the time you’ve invested in me.

“To every player I’ve shared a dressing room with, and every player I’ve competed against on the pitch, thank you. It’s been an absolute pleasure.

“I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who has sent messages, donated and said a prayer.

“Your kind words and support for me and my family throughout this journey has been incredible, and we can’t thank you enough.

“It’s given me even more motivation to continue fighting and to complete every single millilitre of chemotherapy that I need.”

Anderton's announcement provoked a flood of supportive messages from fans and clubs across the country.

Lancashire-based Anderton was diagnosed with cancer last summer and, after surgery, was told in December that the cancerous cells had been more aggressive than first hoped, meaning he is currently undergoing six cycles of chemotherapy.

He has received huge support from across football, with his Bristol Rovers team-mates and staff shaving their heads as part of a massive fundraising initiative in support of Anderton.

Fans of his other clubs, including Carlisle, Barrow, Blackpool and Accrington Stanley, have also rallied around the defender.

Anderton made 54 appearances for Carlisle, scoring four goals.