Klasnic set for fairytale return after kidney transplant
Friday, 14 March 2008
BERLIN, Mar 13 (AFP): Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic is set to make history by becoming the first footballer to play for his country following a kidney transplant.
Klasnic is on course for a fairytale comeback to the international scene after the 28-year-old Werder Bremen forward was named Thursday in the Croatia squad to face Scotland next month.
This is Klasnic's first call-up since his successful kidney transplant operation in March last year.
Klasnic only made his return to Bundesliga football in November last year and announced his return to top-flight action with two goals in Bremen's 5-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen last December.
The Croat has not represented his country since October 2006 and was delighted to receive his call-up for the March 26 friendly and is on course to fulfill his dream of playing in June's Euro 2008 tournament.
In January 2007, Klasnic suffered kidney failure and if he plays against Scotland at Hampden Park it will be a fairytale comeback after two transplant operations last year.
His body rejected the first kidney donated by his mother last January and a second operation was successful after his father, also called Ivan, donated a second kidney.
Since his return, Klasnic has scored three goals in six league games for his club and is out of contract at Bremen in June, but Bundesliga rivals Hanover 96 are interested in signing him.
With 26 caps to his name and eight international goals, Klasnic now plays and trains with a fibreglass kidney protector.
Following his successful return to Bundesliga football, Klasnic met with Croatian head coach Slaven Bilic in Split in January which raised hopes of a return to international football and a place at June's Euro 2008.
Klasnic is on course for a fairytale comeback to the international scene after the 28-year-old Werder Bremen forward was named Thursday in the Croatia squad to face Scotland next month.
This is Klasnic's first call-up since his successful kidney transplant operation in March last year.
Klasnic only made his return to Bundesliga football in November last year and announced his return to top-flight action with two goals in Bremen's 5-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen last December.
The Croat has not represented his country since October 2006 and was delighted to receive his call-up for the March 26 friendly and is on course to fulfill his dream of playing in June's Euro 2008 tournament.
In January 2007, Klasnic suffered kidney failure and if he plays against Scotland at Hampden Park it will be a fairytale comeback after two transplant operations last year.
His body rejected the first kidney donated by his mother last January and a second operation was successful after his father, also called Ivan, donated a second kidney.
Since his return, Klasnic has scored three goals in six league games for his club and is out of contract at Bremen in June, but Bundesliga rivals Hanover 96 are interested in signing him.
With 26 caps to his name and eight international goals, Klasnic now plays and trains with a fibreglass kidney protector.
Following his successful return to Bundesliga football, Klasnic met with Croatian head coach Slaven Bilic in Split in January which raised hopes of a return to international football and a place at June's Euro 2008.