Leon Goretzka, the 27 year old midfielder who plays his club football for Bayern Munich, confirmed that he has stage four Pancreatic cancer in a statement released on Instagram. It comes after he pulled out of the most recent Germany squad with what was an unspecified illness.
Pancreatic cancer usually begins in the pancreas, is often detected late and has a poor prognosis. It mainly affects young adults in the 20s, or those over the age of 70.
Goretzka said: “This is a very difficult message for me to write. I have been diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic cancer and would prefer to spend the next few months with close family and friends.
” This has come as a shock to myself and my family, the prognosis is not a positive one and I am not sure that I will make a full recovery or play football anytime soon, if ever again”.
“I’d like to show my appreciation to the doctors, nurses, consultants and staff who have tried to treat me for their professionalism, warmth and understanding during this period.
“I also want to thank everyone at the German Football Association because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness.
“I’d also like to say thank you to FC Bayern München for all of their support and assistance this past week.”
Goretzka has made nine appearances in all competitions for Bayern this season, scoring three goals.
His statement added: “Although I appreciate that there will be media attention and interest, I would like to ask that my privacy is respected in the coming days.
By Ana Olgica, News Reporter @not_anna
Wednesday 22 June 2022 22:53, München