Wigan Athletic’s Honduran defender Juan Carlos Garcia has leukaemia and is being treated in The Christie, manager Malky Mackay has said.
The Latics released a statement four days ago saying Garcia, 26, had developed a blood disorder and they would reveal more information in due course.
Mackay was full of praise for Wigan’s club doctor who dealt swiftly with the matter, hopefully giving Garcia the best chance of a full recovery.
“It’s something that is obviously a real blow for Juan Carlos’ family and everybody connected with the football club,” said Mackay, who added Garcia’s mother, wife and sister have been flown over from Honduras to be by his side.
“The club doctor, Doctor [Ansar] Zaman, has been truly sensational as far as the care and attention with the whole dealing of the matter as far as Juan Carlos feeling ill and having problems – from that point to the point where we got him to a specialist quickly and got the diagnosis done.
“[Chief executive] Jonathan Jackson, myself and the doctor have had various chats on it. I went in to see Juan Carlos and he was incredibly upbeat and his spirits were strong.
Best Wishes to Juan Carlos Garcia and his family #bwfc #wafc It is just a game at the end of the day. pic.twitter.com/O6SclcIUrO
— The North Stand 5 (@BWFCNorthstand5) February 16, 2015
“He’s going to fight this and make sure he gets through this for the sake of his wife and kids. Everybody at the club is wishing him all the best as I’m sure that all our fans are.”
Garcia has only played once for the 2013 FA Cup winners, having joined the club that summer before going to Tenerife on loan then returning in January.
“Some of the guys will know him better than others but, either way, you’ve got a teammate in the dressing room who’s just had something befall him,” added Mackay.
All our thoughts and love go to Juan Carlos Garcia. Keep strong brother and God be with you.@LaticsOfficial pic.twitter.com/78LzoMXhPt
— Ali Al-Habsi (@AliAlhabsi) February 16, 2015
“The rest of the players have been good – they’ve all been texting him. It’s not really the right time to go and see him because he’s going to have his treatment start right away, but we’re very positive and he’s very positive and we’re hoping things go in a good direction for him.
“It’s going to be a fight and a battle but he’s a strong, fit young man with a good spirit. The conversation I had with him gave me hope for humanity. He’s a terrific young kid and was very positive.”
Juan Carlos García scored this goal against USA 2 years ago https://t.co/1nEEHDpBfn Get well soon
— Football 24/7 (@Foetbal247) February 16, 2015
Wigan are in action tomorrow night against Reading with both sets of fans, especially the Latics faithful, poised to show their support to their number 23 as the Greater Manchester club, currently second bottom, seek to stave off relegation.
Be nice for the #wafc fans to clap every game in the 23rd minute to help give confidence and support to Juan Carlos Garcia @LaticsOfficial
— Wafc Fan Page (@Wafcfanpage) February 16, 2015
Main image courtesy of Televicentro HN via YouTube, with thanks.
