I donated sperm before losing testicle to cancer so I can have kids – my diagnosis left me in tears, says footballer
HERTHA BSC midfielder Marco Richter has bravely opened up about his testicular cancer diagnosis – revealing his froze his sperm to ensure he can have kids in the future.
Richter, 24, received the devastating diagnosis in July, but the tumour was identified early enough that it could be removed by surgery, with the player not needing chemotherapy.
He returned to training at the beginning of August and has since opened up about his ordeal.
When speaking to German outlet Spiegel about his initial diagnosis, he said: “I could hardly speak and started crying.
“One associates so many things with such a message. A tumour, cancer.”
Richter also bravely admitted that one of his biggest concerns was his family and the possibility of not having children in future.
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So, after being encouraged to do so by doctors, he decided to donate to a sperm bank.
At the time he was also unsure if he would be able to play football again.
But, the midfielder is now back in action with a positive mindset.
He added: “I only have one testicle. So what? Everything works.”
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And Richter now wants to educate others on the symptoms and effects of testicular tumours: “Get checked regularly and don’t play tough.
“The early visit to the doctor was my great luck!”
The Hertha BSC star is one of three Bundesliga players to have been diagnosed with a testicular tumour this year.
Timo Baumgartl, who is on loan at Hertha Union from PSV, was forced out of action in April with the devastating diagnosis, but he returned to light training last month.
And Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with a tumour in July shortly after joining the German giants.
Two weeks ago, the 28-year-old revealed the early stages of treatment have not been easy.
When collecting his Eredivisie top scorer award for the 2021-22 season, he said: “The first two or three days during the hospital (visit) and two or three days after, it’s not the best moment.”
However, despite the struggle, Haller is keen to take the positives and has thanked his family, friends and team-mates for their support.