On the eve of his 40th birthday , John Hartson has reflected on his battle with cancer and admitted his major health scare forced him to stop drinking as much , battle a gambling addiction and become a loyal husband . Hartson was diagnosed with testicular cancer which had spread to his brain and lungs in 2009 , at age of 33 . In his column in the Scottish Sun , Hartson recalls how he felt 'as good as dead ' upon receiving the news . Former Celtic striker John Hartson ( centre ) has reflected on how cancer made him change his life . Hartson ( right ) was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his brain and lungs in 2009 . Hartson admitted to having a gambling problem that he faced up to after beating cancer . 'When anyone goes through a life-changing experience they say it alters their perspective , ' Hartson wrote . ' I virtually begged for a second chance at life . ' I ’ ll be honest with you here and now — I used to be a drinker , a s****er and a gambler . I ’ d have Sunday afternoons on the sauce when I ’ d down 11 pints and go home smashed . I was unfaithful to my wife . ' The former Luton , Arsenal , West Ham and Celtic striker admitted cancer forced him to face up to a gambling addiction and he changed his ways as he slowly recovered . ' I would bet on sports I knew nothing about , literally blowing a fortune , as in mine ! That addiction almost killed me . 'But it was cancer that forced me to face up to things and come to a realisation I had to stop . ' Hartson ( left ) played for teams such as Arsenal , West Ham and Celtic during his playing career . Hartson says he loves the settled life he has formed for himself as he approaches his 40th birthday . Hartson added that he is now a proud family man who enjoys a settled life . ' I ’ m older now , though , wiser and more settled in life than I ever thought possible , ' Hartson said . ' I ’ d rather go for a quiet meal with Sarah , have a glass of wine and sit talking about the kids . That ’ s my life now and I love it . '
Ex - Celtic striker mark brown has grown up about his battle with cancer . He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 37 . brown speaks of how he has turned his life around since his recovery .