Sometimes the phrase ‘more than a club’ is apt
Football can be a ruthless business with clubs dispensing with players left, right and centre as soon as their worth begins to fade.
So it’s only right that when a club shows humanity and class that it’s highlighted.
Step forward Union Berlin, the club in the second-tier of German football with a long history of loyal and passionate fans.
Their midfielder Benjamin Koehler was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Koehler’s contract is up at the end of the season so what did the club do?
The offered him a contract extension up until 2016 to support him in his battle against cancer.
‘Benny is and remains an important part of our team,’ Union coach Norbert Duewel said.
‘His illness came as a shock for all of us.
‘But we are all certain that Benny will again wear the Union shirt. He is a fighter on and off the pitch.’
Koehler himself vowed to fight the illness with the support of his club.
“It’s a massive blow for my family and I,’ he said.
‘First I’ve got to process it, but then I’m going to fight it with everything I’ve got. We’ll be seeing each other again for sure.’
Hat-tip to 101 Great Goals
