Soccer Bundesliga
Testicular cancer discovered at Unions Baumgartl: tumor successfully removed
Timo Baumgartl from Union Berlin
© Daniel Karmann / DPA
Testicular cancer has been diagnosed in football professional Timo Baumgartl from 1. FC Union Berlin. The tumor has already been removed. It is unclear how long the footballer will be out.
Defender Timo Baumgartl from 1. FC Union Berlin has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and a tumor has been successfully removed. “Fortunately, I’ve been taking preventative care for a number of years. I’m very grateful for the quick, clear diagnosis and for the successful operation that has since taken place,” said the 26-year-old in a statement from the Bundesliga club on Monday. The tumor in the testicles was discovered during a check-up and surgically removed a few days later.
“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible support from the Charité, the team doctors and the club. I will never forget that. My focus now is on the fastest possible recovery,” said Baumgartl.
Timo Baumgartl: All forecasts are positive
In a video that the club put on YouTube, the central defender also said: “All the forecasts are positive, so I’m positive about the next few weeks.” It’s not an easy time, “but the support is incredible”.
Oliver Ruhnert, Managing Director of professional football at Union, said: “We will give Timo the best possible support on his way. Our excellent network of absolute top doctors will continue to be available to him.”
Baumgartl promotes check-ups
Baumgartl said it was still unclear when he could be back on the pitch. In the coming week he will receive a recommendation for his further therapy. Fortunately, the cancer was discovered at an early stage – thanks to the check-up, as the German emphasized: “It’s ten minutes that you invest in your life.”
Baumgartl will be out for the last game of the Köpenicker season on Saturday against VfL Bochum (3.30 p.m. / Sky). The defender is on loan from PSV Eindhoven to the Irons until the end of the season, but they should have an option to buy.
VfB Stuttgart, where Baumgartl played for a long time, wrote on Twitter: “Dear Timo, the entire #VfB family wishes you a speedy recovery and lots of strength.” Hertha BSC also wrote to the 26-year-old on the network: “We wish you all the best, stay strong!”