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Ex-Arsenal assistant Pat Rice diagnosed with cancer

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Pat Rice, the former player and assistant manager who served Arsenal for 44 years, is undergoing treatment in hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.

Pat Rice had a key role for Arsenal's successes in the 1990s and 2000s
Pat Rice had a key role for Arsenal's successes in the 1990s and 2000s

Photo: Getty Images

The 64-year-old joined Arsenal as a player in 1964 before moving into coaching and retiring last year as the assistant to Arsène Wenger.

"It is very sad news. Not only do we love him, but of course we are very grateful for what he has done here," Wenger said.

"We are in touch with him, but I trust his legendary strength to get over it.

"I am confident that he still has the fighting spirit he always had to get over it and that he will come out in a successful way.

"That is what he needs now (strength of character) - he has that. In such a difficult period, it is a huge resource.

"His mental state is very determined, very strong as he always has been.

"He will fight for that, I have complete trust that he will come out in a very strong way and of course let us hope for the best."

Messages of support have flooded in from far and wide for the much respected coach.










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