Ex-Arsenal assistant Pat Rice diagnosed with cancer

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 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.

Arsenal Football Club sends best wishes to Pat Rice - http://t.co/U08XiBU4qt pic.twitter.com/QKdKZQ3jFB
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 28, 2013

Get well soon, praying for you PAT RICE #LEGEND http://t.co/QPHro8x6Yd
— Eduardo Da Silva (@_Eduardofficial) November 29, 2013

All my thoughts to Pat Rice and his family through this tough time we are praying for you #Legend #arsenal
— Samir Nasri Official (@SamNasri19) November 28, 2013

We are all behind you Pat! Todos estamos en esta lucha contigo Pat! #Legend #PatRice #Gooner… http://t.co/X5qYGiKsNP
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) November 28, 2013

Very, very sorry to hear about Pat Rice's fight with cancer. Lovely man, and one of the great legends in Arsenal history. #GetWellSoonPat
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 28, 2013

Thinking of Pat and his family! I know how strong he is ! #AFC #Legend
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) November 28, 2013

Best wishes to Pat Rice, he has the support of everyone connected to Arsenal and beyond #legend #GetWellSoonPat
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) November 28, 2013

All at Chelsea wish former Arsenal assistant Pat Rice a very speedy recovery from cancer. One of football's finest. #GetWellSoonPat
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) November 28, 2013

Very sorry to hear that Pat Rice is unwell. A great man of football and Arsenal. Wish him all the very best.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 28, 2013