BERLIN, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Ivan Klasnic gave himself and his family the Christmas present they had all been dreaming of on Saturday when he scored his first goals since returning from kidney transplant surgery.
Klasnic started his first home game for Werder Bremen in almost exactly a year on Saturday and he seemed scarcely able to believe what was happening as he scored twice in a 5-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
The 27-year-old Croatia striker sank to his knees and bowed his head after scoring the first goal and it was a while before he was able to get up and celebrate with his team mates.
“I needed five seconds just to come to terms with that first goal,” Klasnic told reporters. “I’d promised my family I’d score and I’ve managed it.”
He scored again in the second half and when he was substituted with five minutes to go he received a heartfelt standing ovation.
“I’m just so happy that once again I can do what I’m best at, which is playing football.”
The goals complete a remarkable comeback for a player who had to have two kidney transplant operations this year, the second of them in March.
The first replacement kidney, donated by his mother, was rejected by his body but a second one, this time donated by his father, has put him on the road to a full recovery.
He started training again this season and returned to the first team at the end of November.
“He’s given himself the most beautiful Christmas present,” said coach Thomas Schaaf. “It’s a special day for him.”
Writing by Kevin Fylan, editing by Pritha Sarkar
