WEST HAM legend Ludek Miklosko was given a hero's welcome by fans at the London Stadium after speaking out about his heartbreaking battle with cancer.
The former Hammers keeper, 63, was cheered to the side of the pitch in emotional scenes ahead of his old club's clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening.
Miklosko revealed on Sunday that he was diagnosed three years ago after finding a small lump on his hip.
Unfortunately, although the initial treatment went well, doctors later discovered other tumors.
And the Czech star has now decided to forego chemotherapy to ensure he has the best quality of life in his final days.
West Ham faithful gave Miklosko an excellent reception as he was spotted for the first time since the news broke.
Miklosko wore a West Ham scarf before the club tweeted: “We are all with you, Ludo.”
Explaining his decision not to undergo treatment, he told West Ham's official website: “I was thinking about this and had another conversation with the doctor in Ostrava.
“And it was made clear to me that there could be no guarantees that it would work.
“Maybe it would help to slow it down a bit, but it wouldn't stop it and there would be other issues to address.
“I decided not to take chemotherapy because I want to live a normal life.
“I have very good people around me, and I have my job and my football, that is my life, the only thing I have known. I want to continue doing that for as long as possible.”
Miklosko left his native Czech Republic with his wife and son to join the Hammers in February 1990.
He went on to make 318 appearances for the East Londoners over a period of eight years.
Miklosko and his family enjoyed their time in England so much that his son asked him to move back to London after they returned to the Czech Republic.
Miklosko was also present at West Ham's final victory in the Europa Conference League against Fiorentina last summer.
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