Eurosport - Tue, 14 Oct 11:50:00 2008
Five-times Major winner Seve Ballesteros said tests carried out over the last few days have revealed he has a brain tumour.
"After being able to notify my three children personally and their mother I can inform you of my illness," Ballesteros said. "After exhaustive checks at the hospital they have detected a brain tumour."
Ballesteros will undergo a biopsy on Tuesday after which doctors will decide how to proceed.
The 51-year-old Spaniard was taken to Madrid's La Paz hospital on Monday after collapsing unconscious. Hospital officials then released a statement on Friday confirming that Ballesteros had suffered "a partial epileptic fit" but said he had left intensive care and was in "a stable condition".
"Throughout my career I have been one of the best at overcoming obstacles on a golf course. Now I want to be the best, taking on the toughest match of my life," he added. "I have always felt solidarity with those facing illnesses, many who were much older than me.
"I want to recall their bravery, belief, calmness, confidence and great mental strength we need to confront these situations however difficult they may be.
"I want to thank from the very bottom of my heart all those people interested in my state of health with many different types of support."
Two-times US Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal visited Ballesteros in hospital.
"Aside from the logical concern, Seve was very well. We had a long chat," he said. "I wish him a quick recovery."
Another Spanish golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez, who like Olazabal had been competing at the Madrid Masters said: "Seve, we love you. Everyone hopes you recover as soon as possible and we look forward to seeing you again soon."
Ballesteros won the US Masters in 1980 and 1983 and was the Open champion in 1979, 1984 and 1988.
Comment 28 - 47 of 67
I have had the pleasure of meeting Seve several times,always a gentleman & is a true legend in golf. Get well soon Seve
get better seve
I shall pray for you Seve. God be with you, always.
chin up seve ur the man best wishes from terry
Seve i am shocked at the bad news of your health, my thoughts and prayers are with you,i know that you will get over this because you are a fighter and the greatest golfer i have had the pleasure to see play in the UK.God bless
Harry of Hertfordshire.
Get well soon Sevy,,,,a true gentleman of sport.
All the very best Seve. A true golfing great. My thoughts are with you and your family. Darren. Northern Ireland.
a very good golfer all the best get well soon
Not a big Golf fan but Seve is a massive Sports name not just a golf name. I wish him a fast and complete recovery.
Our thoughts are with you and your family while you are fighting this illness. You have the qualities needed to beat it. All the best Seve - Get well soon. From Jersey.
Anita.
Not a tennis fan - but love Agassi.
Not a golf fan - but love Seve!
It is the person, not the sport.
He would be a champion whatever he did.
Best of luck Seve.
Birkdale 76 my first look at greatness. So much pleasure over the ensuing years. It was always my belief Seve could get out of any trouble. I'm banking on it now.
cat1man
All the very best Seve in BEATING this I know and hope you will as you are one of the greatest golfers Europe has ever produced, and cant wait to see you back doing what you do best. Dont ever give up
Well I dont know of any challenge that seve hasnt beaten and this is definately another one he'll beat. The only reason I got interested in golf is because of him. Come on Seve you're the MAN!!!
We are absolutely gutted to hear of Seve's sad news. We are sure that with his determination he willcome out fighting.We even named our son Max Severiano after him.
Thats how much he means to us. We send him our heart felt wishes for a speedy recovery, and hope to see him back where he belongs on a golf course soon. GET WELL SOON SEVE. THE HARVEY FAMILY
Best wishes to the first and finest European golfer.
Get well soon Seve, we are all rooting for you.
the hall family wish you and your family the very best you are a wonderfull golfer and a lovely person my prayers are with you, you have beaten the best now go on and beat this the hall family from buckhaven in fife xxxx
i had a brain tumour you will overcome this i did keith s
Get well soon from all golfers all over the wold
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