Timo Baumgartl on Union Berlin return: “Exactly what I dreamed of during chemotherapy.” | OneFootball

154 days since his last appearance, Timo Baumgartl returned to Union Berlin’s starting eleven after recovering from testicular cancer that was diagnosed in late April. It’s a moment that the German central-defender has dreamed of since undergoing chemotherapy.

“That’s exactly what I dreamed of during chemotherapy,” Baumgartl told DAZN. “Coming back, winning and being in the starting eleven. Those were emotional moments for me.”

Baumgartl didn’t expect to start against Wolfsburg but managed 62 minutes. “The coach spoke to me briefly on Saturday and asked if I was ready. At that point, I had no idea that I was supposed to play. It was only in the meeting that I found out I that I was starting,” added the 26-year-old.

“For everyone I met in the oncology department, my case increases hope. They wrote to me that it gave them positive input that I was back on the pitch.”

Union Berlin’s 2-0 win against Wolfsburg places them at the top of the Bundesliga after seven games as players prepare for the upcoming international break.