Kolkata, Jan 2 (IANS) Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh Wednesday said fellow cancer survivor cyclist Lance Armstrong would always be his hero, despite the ban slapped on the American for use of performance-enhancing drugs.
However, the all-rounder said he was “worried” about the consequences that the cyclist may have to go through.
Yuvraj said he sent a message Wednesday itself to Armstrong wishing him happy New Year and telling him: “You will always be my hero, no matter what people say.”
“I am worried about what all has happened to him. I am worried about the consequences,” Yuvraj said.
Armstrong successfully battled testicular cancer to win a record seven consecutive titles at the Tour de France.
However, last year he was disqualified from all his wins since August 1998 for using and distributing performance-enhancing drugs and was banned from professional cycling for life.
Yuvraj was also diagnosed with cancer, but returned to the field after completing his treatment.
While undergoing treatment in the US, Yuvraj looked up to Armstrong. The legendary cyclist also visited Yuvraj in Boston where the cricketer was undergoing treatment.
“Battling cancer, coming back, winning the titles, that needed lot of courage. You can see interesting movies of adventures where there are super heroes. But that’s fiction. On the other hand, Lance Armstrong is a reality. He will always be my hero,” he said.