Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller has made an emotional return to the Bundesliga after a six-month battle with cancer.
Haller was diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumour just days after signing a four-year deal with Dortmund in July.
The Ivorian striker underwent two surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy before being given the all-clear and returning to full training at the beginning of this month.
In his first game back, Haller hit a stunning seven-minute hat-trick in a friendly win over FC Basel. He was named on the bench for Dortmund in their Bundesliga clash with Augsburg.
Puma marked the occasion by giving Haller a special pair of boots, with the number 9 sharing them on Instagram. The cleats are the ‘Ultra Orange’ Puma Ultimate but the main detail is the powerful message against a disease that claims so many lives each year.
Haller told reporters, “It’s been a tough six months but I am happy to be here. I am happy to be here with the guys and able to play in this great weather and these facilities. Of course, everything is possible. I have no restrictions in my mind. The only people who can give me restrictions are the coach and the medical staff. I will do my best to play on the 22nd.”
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Joseph Omoniyi
