Haller speaks on recovery process in interview: "I will be back soon!"
In a video published online by ESPN's Netherlands outfit, Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller has made his first public statements since undergoing chemotherapy for his surgically-removed malignant testicular tumor.
BVB striker Sebastien Haller's return to the pitch remains far off, but the Ivorian attacker did at least declare that he was once again feeling fit after concluding his chemotherapy and returning to a home-bound exercise regimen. In an interview posted by ESPN's Dutch division, Haller spoke for the first time about his condition whilst being awarded the Willy-van-der-Kuijlen trophy for his performance in the Erdevisie last season.
"When you undergo this treatment, you are in the hospital for five days and are on an infusion for 24 hours," Haller noted, "You can't move, you just lie in bed. The disease itself sounds scary. Telling my closest relatives was the hardest part."
Haller nevertheless wished to report that he was feeling much better and also took advantage of the opportunity to raise awareness about the issue. The 28-year-old encouraged males to get checked out if they feel something is wrong. In Haller's case, the symptoms first manifested themselves as a pain in his abdominal region.
"From the moment I came home, I started to exercise a lot," Haller divulged, "I'm at the level I was a few months ago. That's a good sign. The support has been great. I want to let everyone know that I feel good. And I want people to get checked out."
Haller is one of three Bundesliga professionals to be diagnosed with testicular cancer in the last six moths. Hertha Berlin's Marco Richter, who did not have to undergo chemotherapy, returned to the pitch for his club this past weekend after taking approximately eight weeks recovery time.
FC Union Berlin's Timo Baumgartl, who did have to undergo chemotherapy after being diagnosed with the condition in late April, is back in team training but hasn't returned to the pitch yet. In response to Haller's video, BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl praised the player's handling of the issue and his progress, while also emphasizing that he won't be rushed back.
Haller concluded the interview by emotionally addressing what it felt like to be diagnosed so soon after joining a new club.
"I thought to myself, 'this can't be real'," Haller noted, "I'm here for two weeks and I can't play for the club? This looks very bad. My primary objective is to return to the pitch, play in front of the yellow wall, and score my first goal. I will be back soon!"
Openhartige Sébastien Haller: "Ik wil iedereen vertellen dat ik me goed voel" 💪
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) August 30, 2022