Former Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis diagnosed with throat cancer but is ‘confident in making a full recovery’ and will continue his work with AC Milan
- Ivan Gazidis spent 10 years at Arsenal before leaving for AC Milan back in 2018
- During his time as chief executive, the Gunners won three FA Cup trophies
- Gazidis expects to make full recovery having been diagnosed with throat cancer
- He said: ‘I have a very curable form of cancer and a positive diagnosis’
Former Arsenal chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, has been diagnosed with throat cancer.
The 56-year-old, who now works for AC Milan having left the Gunners back in 2018, released a statement sharing the news and he is optimistic about the prognosis.
Gazidis spent a decade at Arsenal and the Gunners won three FA Cups during his time as chief executive.
Ivan Gazidis, the former Arsenal chief executive, has been diagnosed with throat cancer
On Tuesday he wrote: ‘Of course, there is never a good time for a diagnosis of cancer. But I have a very curable form of cancer and a positive diagnosis.
‘I have world-class medical expertise, and the support of so many loved ones and everyone at the Club, and I am confident based on all advice that cancer will be treated successfully, with a full recovery.
‘My diagnosis demonstrates the importance of regular medical checkups, even if you don’t have symptoms. I would encourage everyone to prioritise their health and to make sure, even in the day to day obligations of life and work, that they have their regular medical checkups.
‘We have a strong team, both on and off the pitch – Ivan pointed out – and I have full faith in their ability to drive our club forward over the coming weeks. See you soon and always Forza Milan.’
Gazidis, who now works for AC Milan, is fully confident about making a complete recovery
Gazidis was born in South Africa and moved to Manchester at the age of four.
He studied law at Oxford and went on to be a member of the team that founded the MLS in the United States. He took the chief executive role at Arsenal in 2008.
His current side, AC Milan, wished him a full and rapid recovery.
Their statement read: ‘AC Milan informs its fans and stakeholders that our CEO, Ivan Gazidis, has been diagnosed with a cancer of the throat.
‘Based on an extensive series of tests and scans, doctors expect he will make a full recovery.
‘Ivan will remain operational during the necessary treatment in specialized clinics, with the full support of the ownership, President Scaroni and the Club’s Senior Management.
Everyone involved with the Club wishes Ivan all the best for a full and speedy recovery. We are all with you.’
