MADRID, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Club Bilbao' s young central defender Yeray Alvarez on Monday sent a message of gratitude to fans who have shown their support for him after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer on December 23rd.

The 21-year-old, who has made 17 first team appearances and arguably been Athletic' s best player this season after being promoted from the B-team over the summer, was operated on four days later and left hospital 24 hours after the operation to begin his recovery.

The youngster has received thousands of messages of support from fans and used the New Year to send out a message,

"Maybe this isn' t the best way to start 2017, but thanks to what has happened, I have learnt that it is the people who matter the most and who support you in the worst of times."

"Thanks to everyone who has left a message, photo or anything they have done to try and cheer me up," said the defender on Instagram.