• Premier League

Vinnie Jones battling skin cancer

Vinnie Jones combined his football and acting skills in the movie Mean Machines © PA Photos

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Former Wales midfielder turned Hollywood actor Vinnie Jones is battling skin cancer.

Jones, who played for Chelsea, Wimbledon and Leeds United before going on to star in films including Snatch, Gone in 60 Seconds and X-Men: The Last Stand, revealed that he found a lump under his eye.

"Cancer is a horrible word to hear. It frightens the life out of you,'' he told the Sun on Sunday. "I've faced the biggest and ugliest lads on the football field and been in some nasty bar brawls. But this is my toughest and scariest opponent yet.''

Jones initially presumed the lump was a wart or a spot until he went to get it checked; the 48-year-old has since had three cancerous patches removed and urged people to see a doctor if they have any concerns.

"When the doctor said I had skin cancer, the first thing I thought was, 'How long have I got?' A million and one things go through your head.

"It's weighing very heavily on me all the time. It has really knocked me for six and made me reassess my life and goals.

"If you spot something on your skin that doesn't feel right, like a little spot or tick, then get it checked out immediately.''

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