Marco Richter almost refined his comeback with a goal. Shortly after coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute of the home game against Borussia Dortmund, he hammered the ball into the crossbar from 17 meters. BVB keeper Gregor Kobel had influenced the trajectory a little with his fingertips. The goalkeeper then winked at the shooter. But it wasn’t meant to be malicious, on the contrary, it was meant in a friendly and encouraging way.
Kobel and Richter know each other from their time together at FC Augsburg. But that’s not the only reason why the goalkeeper gave Richter a friendly look, he probably also wanted to say: “It’s good that you’re back”. Because Richter celebrated his comeback after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. A tumor was found in the 24-year-old in July. Richter underwent an operation and was lucky: he was spared chemotherapy and thus a longer absence. Only six and a half weeks later he was back on the pitch.
Professionals like Sebastien Haller from BVB or Timo Baumgartl from Union Berlin have to wait longer to get fit again. Baumgartl, who received the sad diagnosis at the beginning of May after a check-up, has now started training again and is waiting for the hair that has fallen out to grow back. He had to undergo chemotherapy. It is not certain when he will be able to play again. But he will celebrate his comeback. The same applies to Haller. The Dortmund attacker also has to undergo chemotherapy and will be out for months. But his chances of recovery are also very good.
Seen in this way, Richter’s comeback was an encouragement for the others. Richter and the others also stand for a new way of dealing with the disease. Be open, take away fears and take precautions – that is also a message.
