Arsenal great Pat Rice in hospital with cancer

Published Nov. 28, 2013 9:55 a.m. ET

foxsports

Arsenal says former captain and assistant coach Pat Rice is in the hospital receiving treatment for cancer.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who had Rice as his No. 2 from 1996-2012, says ''we are in touch with him but I trust his legendary strengths to get over that.''

The 64-year-old Rice spent 14 years with the club as a player and was part of the defense that helped the team win the league and cup double in 1971. He played 49 times for Northern Ireland.

Rice was then an assistant to Wenger when Arsenal won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, and went through the 2003-04 season unbeaten.

Wenger says ''not only do we love him but of course we are very grateful for what he has done here.''