England and Liverpool hero John Barnes reveals battle with prostate cancer

John Barnes has revealed that he has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The former England and Liverpool winger has spoken openly on his diagnosis in an interview with Times Radio, in which he said he’s ‘fine’.

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He said: “I’ve had prostate cancer, I’ve had my prostate out.

“Not many people know and it’s a bit of a taboo subject because we support women with breast cancer and it’s not even an issue.

“Whereas with men, the government say, ‘Yeah, prostate cancer, we need more awareness, we need people to come forward and in black men it’s more prevalent.’

“Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it.

“So it’s a good thing that that has come out.”

Barnes added: “I’m fine. I have my PSA and everything is OK.

“The thing about it is that a lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man.

“But you’re not, you’re exactly the same, you’re the same person and you’re around and that’s the main thing.”

Barnes made his professional debut at 17-years-old for Watford and spent six years at the club before signing for Liverpool.

He scored 108 goals in 407 appearances for the Reds from 1987 to 1997.

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The forward won two league titles, two FA Cups and the League Cup during his glittering spell at Anfield.

Barnes later had spells at Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic, and retired in 1999.

He won 79 caps with England and scored ten goals, with the now 62-year-old regarded as one of the country’s football icons.

Barnes had managerial spells at Celtic, the Jamaica national team and Tranmere Rovers, and is now works as a pundit.

His news comes after fellow Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish revealed his cancer diagnosis on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, another Reds icon in Kevin Keegan has recently announced that he has stage four cancer.