Sebastien Haller has thanked Borussia Dortmund's medical team and hospital staff in his first social media post since being diagnosed with a testicular tumour.
Dortmund confirmed the 28-year-old's prognosis on Monday. Haller told the club's medical team he felt unwell at training and a tumour was discovered following medical tests. The Ivory Coast international has now completed the first step of his recovery.
"Hello everyone, I wanted to let you know that Step 1 has been completed!" tweeted Haller on Thursday evening. "I would like to thank Dortmund and the medical team who were exceptional with me. A big thank you also to all the nursing staff of the hospital for their support - benevolence."
Haller joined Dortmund from Ajax in a deal worth up to €34.5million (£29.4m) earlier this month. The striker enjoyed his most prolific season before the transfer, scoring 34 goals - including 11 in the Champions League - to inspire Ajax to a league and cup double.
Haller has won 15 senior caps for the Ivory Coast - scoring four goals - and has also represented Auxerre, Utrecht, Eintracht Frankfurt and West Ham at club level. He found the back of the net 14 times during his 18-month spell at the London Stadium.
"Thank you all for your many messages of support and affection since yesterday's announcement," said Haller on Tuesday. "My family and I thank you. I will now focus on my recovery to come back stronger."
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl added: "This news came as a shock to Sebastien Haller and everyone else. The entire BVB family hopes that Sebastien makes a full recovery as soon as possible and that we can give him a hug again soon. We'll do everything in our power to ensure that he receives the best possible treatment."
Haller has received lots of support since his diagnosis. "Stay strong and get better soon brother, we're all with you!" tweeted Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
West Ham captain Declan Rice wrote: "Thoughts are with you my brother! Praying you have a speedy recovery."
The Hammers also sent Haller a touching message, tweeting: "We're with you, Sebastien Haller. Wishing you the best with your recovery."
Ajax winger Antony tweeted: "Mon ami [my friend], I am thinking of you! I am praying and sending you positive energies hoping that everything will be better soon! Don't you ever forget that you have a friend here, my brother. Count on me for whatever you need."
Haller has a tremendous record in German football, scoring 33 goals in 77 appearances for Frankfurt between 2017 and 2019. He came off the bench to help Frankfurt beat Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final in May 2018, the club's first major honour in 30 years.
Haller was part of the Ivory Coast's squad for this year's Africa Cup of Nations, helping them reach the knockout stages. He made his debut for the nation team in 2020 after representing France at youth level, scoring 13 goals In 20 U21 appearances.
