Tumor discovered in Flamengo midfielder

The 31-year-old was diagnosed after a routine drug test showed unusual results. Further examination revealed the tumor and the Brazilian will go into hospital this week to determine whether chemotherapy is required.

"It's sad news, inevitably, but I am also calm," Ederson told reporters. "I am very aware of the days that are ahead of me, this will be one more battle in my life."

Ederson spent seven years in France before moving to Lazio in 2012. He won one cap for Brazil, against the United States in 2010.

(Reporting by Andrew Downie; editing by Mark Heinrich)