West Ham captain Declan Rice has wished former teammate Sebastien Haller a speedy recovery after the striker was diagnosed with a testicular tumour.
Ivorian international Haller, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Ajax this summer in a deal worth an initial €31million (£26.4m), had his diagnosis made public on Monday. He has left his club's pre-season training camp and will undergo a series of follow-up tests.
Dortmund have put out their own statement wishing the player a quick recovery, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl pledging that the club will do "everything in their power" for the 28-year-old. Rice, who played with Haller under Manuel Pellegrini and David Moyes at West Ham, has also shown his support.
"Thoughts are with you my brother! " Rice posted on Twitter. "Praying you have a speedy recovery." West Ham added from their own account: "We’re with you, @HallerSeb. Wishing you the best with your recovery."
Another of the striker's former clubs, Eintracht Frankfurt, sent their own message of support. "All the Eintracht family is with you and sending you thoughts, love and strength! Wishing you a speedy recovery," the Europa League holders said.
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Haller moved from Frankfurt to West Ham in 2019 in a club-record deal worth up to £45m. Despite making a fast start, scoring three times in his first three games for the club, he would eventually end up leaving for Ajax in January 2021.
He thrived for the Dutch club in his first full season, scoring 11 times in the Champions League and 34 times in all competitions. This prompted Dortmund to bring him back to the Bundesliga after selling Erling Haaland to Manchester City earlier in this summer's transfer window.
"This news today came as a shock to Sebastien Haller and to all of us," Dortmund chief Kehl told the club's official site as he responded to the diagnosis. "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."
Dortmund have promised to provide further updates "in consultation with the player". For now, Haller is set for further tests at a specialised medical centre.
A number of other teammates, past and present, have shown their support on social media. Another of his former clubs, Utrecht, also sent a get well soon message.
"Sending love and prayers big man," former West Ham teammate Robert Snodgrass said, while former Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes - who played with Haller in Frankfurt - said: "The soccer world is with you my brother. My family and myself are with you."
