File image of Ajax’s Sebastien Haller, taking part in within the Champions League
| Photograph Credit score: AP
Sebastien Haller mentioned he was relieved to lastly make his first look in a Borussia Dortmund shirt following two surgical procedures and 4 rounds of chemotherapy for testicular most cancers which sidelined the Ivory Coast ahead for six months.
Haller, who scored 34 objectives for Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam final season, was identified throughout a pre-season coaching camp in July — weeks after he had been signed for an preliminary payment of 31 million euros ($33.25 million).
The 28-year-old returned to coaching earlier this month and eventually made his unofficial debut as he got here on within the second half of Tuesday’s pleasant with Fortuna Dusseldorf, which Dortmund received 5-1.
“It was an ideal second on the pitch. I acquired a whole lot of applause and a whole lot of messages, I spoke to my workforce mates and the opponent. This help contributes to efficiency,” Haller mentioned.
“I needed to be there from the primary recreation. We talked about what’s the finest answer to get some minutes. After six months, I lastly wore a Dortmund jersey for the primary time. I used to be actually trying ahead to taking part in as a result of I could not do it right away after my transfer. Taking part in is a significantly better feeling than exercising and operating by the woods, I missed that feeling.”
Dortmund coach Edin Terzic mentioned the workforce have been pleased with Haller’s comeback.
“It was a really particular second for Seb and his household, but additionally for us. It was the primary time that he wasn’t sporting a coaching shirt however the Borussia Dortmund jersey,” Terzic mentioned.
The Bundesliga season resumes later this month, with Dortmund taking over Augsburg on January 22.
Dortmund are sixth within the standings — 9 factors behind leaders Bayern Munich — and teammate Gio Reyna mentioned he hoped Haller’s comeback can spur them on.
“We’re comfortable that he is again. He is such a superb man, he works laborious,” the American winger mentioned. “You’ll be able to see his high quality instantly on the pitch. He provides our recreation one thing new.”
