Bundesliga expresses support for Stefan Lainer after cancer diagnosis
After Borussia Mönchengladbach annouced defender Stefan Lainer is suffering from lymph node cancer, the German football community has rallied behind the Austrian.
"We will do all we can to get Stevie the best possible treatment. We wish him and his family lots of strength and optimism in the fight against this disease“, said Roland Virkus, Borussia's board member for sport, in announcing that Stefan Lainer has been diagnosied with cancer.
Football naturally takes a backseat when news like this is announced. The Austrian will undergo therapy over the next few months. Borussia Mönchengladbach say that due to the early diagnosis there "there is an extremely high chance that he will get back to full health, and a normal life including professional sport could still be possible."
Last year Sebastien Haller, Timo Baumgartl, Marco Richter and Jean-Paul Boetius were all diagnosed with testicular cancer. Lainer has already received similar levels of support from the Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2 and across the football world.
Several Bundesliga clubs have already used their Twitter platforms to express their support to the Austrian. "Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery!" Cologne tweeted. Bayern Munich also sent its wishes to the right-back, saying: "Sending you strength and wishing you a speedy recovery, Stefan!"
Schalke of Bundesliga 2 said: "Everyone at FC Schalke 04 wishes you a speedy recovery, Stefan!"
Fans of Gladbach and other clubs have also sent their words of encouragement to the 30-year-old, such as "All the best Stevie, we'll see you on the pitch soon!" or "All the best and all the luck in the world, Stefan." The whole of German football is behind Stefan Lainer, and bundesliga.com also wants to wish him all the very best for a speedy recovery.
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