Enlarge image
Ron-Thorben Hoffmann in the Sunderland FC shirt
Photo:
George Wood/Getty Images
Goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, loaned by FC Bayern Munich to AFC Sunderland, has made allegations against the English club after suffering a corona infection.
»When I came back after seven days of quarantine, it went straight back into the goal – although the rapid test was still slightly positive.
I had to play with Corona," said the 23-year-old in an interview with the "Bild" newspaper.
According to Hoffmann, he caught the infection around the turn of the year after playing 20 games for Sunderland and becoming the first-choice goalkeeper.
After that, he played three games, but felt “worse from game to game” and also experienced symptoms such as dizziness, a stabbing heart and shortness of breath.
But according to Hoffmann's description, the club didn't take it seriously: "After the infection, there were no examinations of the heart or lungs," Hoffmann accused the club of.
He was afraid of getting myocarditis like Bayern professional Alphonso Davies or Rune Jarstein from Hertha BSC.
Cases of this possible consequence of a corona disease have become public again and again in competitive sports in recent months.
"I wasn't doing well physically, but the club wanted me to be more tough," reported Hoffmann.
According to the information, Hoffmann finally flew to Munich for investigations at the beginning of February and then did not play any more games for the third division team, where he was previously a regular goalkeeper.
The report contained "a number of false and inaccurate allegations," it said in a statement published by AFC Sunderland on its website.
Sunderland did not respond to a written request from SPIEGEL.
The club have contacted the player's agents to clarify his comments.
It went on to say that the association has “fully complied with all guidelines and protocols throughout the Covid 19 pandemic”.
It is ensured that the health and well-being of all employees is protected at all times.
Hoffmann's loan contract in Sunderland is expiring, his contract with FC Bayern runs until the summer of 2023. He apparently wants to join a second division club in Germany and is in talks with Eintracht Braunschweig, among others.
»In this league I want to establish myself as a regular goalkeeper next season.
My big goal is to get promoted to the Bundesliga,” he said.
ara/dpa