Former Liverpool and England footballer John Barnes has revealed that he underwent surgery to remove his prostate after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, and is now encouraging men to overcome the stigma surrounding the disease and seek medical attention when needed.

Speaking with Times Radio in the United Kingdom, the 62-year-old said his children persuaded him to get tested, a decision that ultimately led to his diagnosis and treatment.

“A lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man. But you’re not, you’re exactly the same, you’re the same person, and you’re around, and that’s the main thing,” Barnes said.