Former international footballer John Hartson was released home today from the hospital where he was undergoing cancer treatment.

The ex-Celtic and Arsenal striker had been in the care of the cancer team at a hospital in Swansea, after being transferred there from the critical care unit.

His family said in a statement: “The family would like to thank all the staff at Morriston and Singleton hospitals for their support in getting John to this stage in his treatment.

“John is glad to be back with his family, and ready to face the next steps in his chemotherapy. It goes without saying that the support of friends and the public has been a huge lift to us all over the last few weeks.”

Hartson, 34, spoke on Friday for the first time since he was admitted to hospital to thank well-wishers for their support, saying: “I’m feeling well at the moment.”.

He has been diagnosed with testicular cancer that has spread to his brain.

Hartson was admitted to hospital in his home city of Swansea last month where he underwent emergency surgery and it was discovered the cancer had spread to his lungs.