Monday, January 9, 2023 at 7:32 PM• Rian Rosendaal

Despite testicular cancer and the associated treatments, Sébastien Haller has never doubted his return as a professional football player. The 28-year-old returned to the training field last week and wants nothing more than to make his comeback in the main force as soon as possible. Haller looks at the website of BVB back on some very tough months off the field, but despite everything there is also a lot of optimism with the fifteen-time international from Ivory Coast.

“For my personality, returning was always only a matter of time. That’s why I always kept fighting,” says the combative Haller in the extensive interview during the training camp in Marbella. In recent months, the former Ajax player also spoke with Timo Baumgartl, Marco Richter and Jean-Paul Boëtius, who also had to deal with this form of cancer. “We talked a lot about therapy, surgery and mental health. I thought that was very important. They are also part of the healing process.”

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— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) January 9, 2023

Haller would love to play for Dortmund again, although an exact date is not yet known. “Being on the field is the best feeling you can have,” admits the attacker in German service. “With this disease you don’t know what your future looks like. I could only focus on the next day. I worked hard and I feel I can handle anything now.” Haller dreams about playing for the Gelbe Wand, the fanatical supporters group of Dortmund. “That’s been in my head from day one. That’s really the ultimate goal.” Because of the testicular cancer, Haller did not make any playing minutes for the number six in the Bundesliga.

Captain Marco Reus is thrilled with Haller’s approaching return. “I get goosebumps when I think about it,” says the midfielder at Monday’s press time. “In any case, he is doing very well. I thought it was great to see him again on the training field.” Reus expects Haller to be able to add something to Dortmund’s attacking game. “In the long run he can bring something that is not there yet. However, we have to be patient and let him get some rhythm first.” Dortmund will play a friendly game with Fortuna Düsseldorf on Tuesday. The Bundesliga will resume against FC Augsburg on January 22.