LaLiga star reveals heartbreaking reason behind mystery absence in touching social media post
SPANISH STAR Jonathan Viera's partner has been suffering with a tumour, it has been revealed.
The Las Palmas captain has been the subject of much speculation in Spain in recent weeks.
He was left out of their starting XI for matches against Celta Vigo and Villarreal, before being omitted entirely against Rayo Vallecano.
Viera, 34, had hinted that there "wasn't long left" for him in football.
While Las Palmas club president Miguel Angel Ramirez claimed that Viera had earned the right to retire whenever he pleased.
According to , his partner claimed on social media that a tumour had been detected on her uterus.
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The tumour was subsequently removed "right on time".
Viera then posted a picture of himself with his partner, captioning it: "Always like this with a smile, That was always our best weapon.
"I love you."
Footballers Kirian Rodriguez, Vitolo Machin, Alvaro Jimenez, Raul Navas, Oscar Pinchi and Oscar Clemente all commented with supportive messages.
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Viera joined Las Palmas in 2015 from Club Brugge, initially staying for three years before moving to Beijing Gouan.
He stayed in China for three years, later returning to Las Palmas in 2021.
The attacking midfielder has made 265 appearances in total for the Gran Canaria club, scoring 77 goals and laying on 50 assists.