Emotional Sebastien Haller releases statement after Dortmund ace is diagnosed with testicular tumour
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BORUSSIA DORTMUND star Sebastien Haller has vowed to “come back stronger” as he spoke publicly for the first time since he was diagnosed with a testicular tumour.
The Bundesliga side confirmed yesterday that the 28-year-old striker felt “unwell” in training earlier that day.
He was then forced to leave the club's Swiss pre-season training camp after a “testicular tumour was discovered”.
Now Haller has thanked everyone for their support as he released a message on his social media accounts.
He said: “I want to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all these many warm messages received I was very moved to see these beautiful reactions and I even feel like I don't deserve so much.
“But I know that thanks to you it will only be one more test on our way. See you very soon in the ground to celebrate our next victories.”
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Haller added: “Thank you all for your many messages of support and affection since yesterday's announcement. My family and I thank you. I will now focus on my recovery to come back stronger.”
Former West Ham forward Haller arrived in a £28million deal from Ajax less than two weeks ago.
A read: "Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller had to leave the BVB training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, early due to illness and has already travelled back to Dortmund.
"The 28-year-old international from the Ivory Coast complained of being unwell after training on Monday morning.
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"In the course of intensive medical examinations, a tumour was finally discovered in the testicles during the course of the day.
"During the coming days, further examinations will take place in a specialised medical centre."
BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: "This news today came as a shock to Sebastien Haller and to all of us.
Testicular tumours
What is the difference between benign and malignant testicular tumours?
A testicular tumour is a growth of cancerous or non-cancerous cells found in one of both testes.
The majority of testicular tumours are found to be non-cancerous, otherwise known as benign. Benign tumours are not usually life threatening, do not spread to other parts of the body and once removed with surgery does not usually come back.
A malignant testicular tumour is a cancerous growth found in one of both testes. It is both a very rare and very treatable form of cancer, accounting for just 1% of all cancers that occur in men.
Although relatively uncommon, testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect men between the ages of 15 and 49.
What to watch out for:
- A painless lump (the size of a pea or larger) in one or both testicles
- Swelling of the testicle or a feeling of weight in the scrotum
- Pain or a dull ache in the testicle, scrotum which may come and go
- A difference in appearence between one testical and the other
- Tenderness or changes in the male breast tissue
When should I contact my doctor?
You should see your GP as soon as you notice a swelling, lump or any other change in one of your testicles.
"The entire BVB family wishes Sebastien a full recovery as soon as possible and that we can hug him again soon.
"We will do everything in our power to ensure that he receives the best possible treatment.";
The statement continued: "Borussia Dortmund asks that the privacy of the player and his family be respected and that no questions be asked.
"As soon as we have further information, we will inform you in consultation with the player."