CNN
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Sébastien Haller savored the “wonderful” alternative to play his first recreation for Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday after testicular most cancers sidelined the striker for six months.
The 28-year-old underwent two surgical procedures and 4 rounds of chemotherapy after receiving his analysis in July having simply signed for his new membership.
He finally made his debut within the second half of Dortmund’s 5-1 win in opposition to Fortuna Düsseldorf in Tuesday’s pleasant match.
“It was a tremendous second on the pitch. I acquired numerous applause and a variety of messages. I spoke with my teammates and the opposition,” he instructed reporters.
“I lastly wore the BVB shirt for the primary time after six months. I used to be actually delighted to play as a result of I couldn’t accomplish that instantly after my switch.”
The German Bundesliga returns later this month after the winter break, with groups now making ready for the restart.
Dortmund, which performs Augsburg in its first match again on January 22, at present sits sixth within the desk and Haller is relishing the prospect to lastly assist his crew.
“Enjoying is a a lot better feeling than coaching and working via the woods. I’ve missed this sense,” Haller added.
“I wish to keep match till the top of the season and play as many minutes as I can. Maybe, I would even get some extra minutes within the subsequent pleasant.”
The Ivory Coast worldwide scored 47 objectives in 66 video games for his former membership Ajax throughout an 18 month spell, 11 of which got here within the Champions League.
He signed for Dortmund on July 6 however had begun to really feel unwell throughout a preseason coaching camp in Switzerland later that month.
Head coach Edin Terzic stated that, after Haller’s tough 12 months, he was proud to see the striker lastly put on the Dortmund shirt.
“It was a really particular second for Seb and his household, however for us too,” Terzic instructed reporters.
“It was the primary time that he was carrying a Borussia Dortmund shirt fairly than a coaching prime. We’re proud that he has taken this path and that we may expertise this as we speak.”
Haller’s American teammate Gio Reyna has hopes that Haller’s return may also help encourage the crew to enhance performances after the restart.
“Sébastien’s comeback was wonderful. We’re delighted that he’s again,” Reyna instructed reporters.
“He’s such man; he works onerous. You instantly see his high quality on pitch. He brings one thing new to our recreation.”
