Austria goalkeeper undergoes surgery after testicular cancer diagnosis as he releases emotional statement
AUSTRIA goalkeeper Heinz Lindner has undergone successful surgery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The 32-year-old received swift treatment after a malignant tumour was detected.
Lindner, who plays his club football for FC Sion, subsequently took to social media to update fans on his condition.
He wrote: “Unfortunately I have to tell you that this season is over for me at FC Sion and in the national team.
“I was recently diagnosed with a tumour in my left testicle. You can certainly imagine that this diagnosis hit me hard.
“I had an operation a few days ago, which went very well. I would like to thank the team at the Hospital Riviera-Chablais in Rennaz and especially Dr. Joelle Deriaz and Dr. Thank Thomas Tawadros.
“Thank God the malignant tumour was recognised in time and had not yet spread. I have decided to deal openly and honestly with my illness, also to prevent any speculation about my state of health.
“I ask you to respect that I will not make any further statements about my illness. I want to fully focus on getting healthy again in the coming weeks.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed that both the Austrian national team and FC Sion will play the upcoming games positively without me and I’ll be rooting for them as a fan.
“I’m looking forward to being completely fit and ready to play again next season. Thank you for your understanding and stay healthy. to be completely fit and ready for action again next season.
“Thank you for your understanding and stay healthy. to be completely fit and ready for action again next season. Thank you for your understanding and stay healthy.”
Austria manager Ralf Rangnick subsequently revealed his relief that Lindner’s operation had gone well.
The former Manchester United boss said: “I’m very relieved that the operation went well and I wish Heinz all the best for his continued recovery.
“I’m firmly convinced that he’ll soon be his old self again and I’m looking forward to it when he returns in the autumn can return to the circle of the national team.”
Lindner started both of Austria’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Estonia in March.
He is FC Sion’s No1 keeper and has played 28 times in the Swiss Super League this season.
The experienced stopper will miss Austria’s clashes with Belgium and Sweden next month.