Denmark great Brian Laudrup diagnosed with cancer

Former Denmark international Brian Laudrup is being treated for a mild case of lymphoma.

The 41-year-old former striker says he was ''shocked by the diagnosis'' and is facing ''a tough fight,'' but he had received ''optimistic'' news from doctors because the cancer discovered last week was at a very early stage.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his employer, TV3, Laudrup said he would continue as football commentator for the channel's Champions League matches.

Laudrup played for several European clubs including Bayern Munich, Italian powerhouses Fiorentina and Milan, Glasgow Rangers and Ajax.

He quit the Danish side in 1987 after 82 games and 21 goals.