RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond Kickers and former VCU soccer star Matthew Delicâte has been diagnosed with kidney cancer after undergoing treatment for a recent back injury.
A mass was discovered in Delicâte’s kidney during an ultrasound after he sustained a back injury during training earlier in this month. A subsequent CT scan confirmed the carcinoma.
"I was frustrated after hurting my back and not being able to train and feature for the team, but in hindsight, I am very fortunate to have caught this at an early stage,” said Delicâte.
Matthew Delicâte (PHOTO: Richmond Kickers)
Delicâte will undergo a partial Nephrectomy to remove Renal Cell Carcinoma on Friday, June 3.
He is expected to miss 8-12 weeks. No further treatment is expected following Friday’s procedure.
“I hope the team continues to work hard in my absence and I am aiming for a full recovery as quickly as possible," he said of his battle ahead.
The Kickers announced the diagnosis Monday.
“Events such as this immediately puts the importance of winning soccer matches into perspective,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “We wish Deli a successful surgery, speedy recovery and look forward to having him score more goals for the Kickers in the months to come.”
Delicâte, in his tenth season with the Kickers, owns the club’s all-time scoring record with 94 goals and 21 assists in 244 appearances. The native of Kent, England also holds the career record at VCU with 44 goals and 13 assists and 101 career points.
