Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller has vowed to come back stronger after being diagnosed with a testicular tumour.
The Ivorian striker's diagnosis was confirmed by his club on Monday, with the discovery made after he complained of feeling ill. He has left the Dortmund training camp and will undergo further tests as medics look into the situation.
A number of former teammates and clubs have shown their support, including his one-time West Ham United colleague Declan Rice. And now, after the outpouring of messages, Haller himself has spoken out publicly.
"Thank you all for your many messages of support and affection since yesterday's announcement," Haller posted on social media.. "My family and I thank you. I will now focus on my recovery to come back stronger."
"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."
Haller's diagnosis comes just weeks after he joined Borussia Dortmund from Ajax in a move worth more than £25m. The striker had linked up with his new teammates earlier in July, and spoke of the warm welcome he received from his new colleagues.
"This news today came as a shock to Sebastien Haller and to all of us," Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl told club media when the news broke. "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."
A club statement confirmed the tumour was discovered after "intense medical examinations," and added that he will now head to a specialised medical centre for further checks.
Borussia Dortmund confirmed the arrival of Haller in June after last season's top scorer Erling Haaland moved to Manchester City. The former Ajax man found the net 47 times in a season and a half with the Dutch club, including 11 in last season's Champions League.
"We're very pleased that in Sebastien Haller we've been able to sign a proven centre forward who recently made waves in the Champions League, but who also knows the Bundesliga and has already demonstrated his class and top-quality finishing ability in the league," Kehl had said when the move was confirmed
Dortmund will face Villarreal and Antalyaspor in their last two pre-season games before kicking off their domestic season in August under new boss Edin Terzic. Their first Bundesliga game comes against Bayer Leverkusen, while they'll also go straight into the Champions League group stage after finishing second behind Bayern Munich last term.
