Cancer drama surrounding talent! Young goalkeeper Berkin Arslanogullari loses leg

Berlin – Half a year ago, Berkin Arslanogullari was able to get a taste of professional football in a test match, but now the Union youth goalkeeper is fighting for his life. The 19-year-old has bone cancer.

Particularly dramatic: Despite chemotherapy, his left lower leg had to be amputated – to save his life.

A heavy blow for a young man who could only dream of playing professional football a few months ago. In the spring, Arslanogullari was on the pitch in a friendly against Magdeburg.

Now the seriously ill keeper is dependent on the help of others. A fundraising campaign has already been set up – and it goes far beyond the city limits. More than 150,000 euros have already been raised.

1. FC Union Berlin
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“Due to the necessary care and support for Berkin, his parents are no longer able to go to work, the family's current apartment is not barrier-free and not handicapped accessible. A new apartment or extensive renovation work and the upcoming rehabilitation are urgently needed for a new start in a new life and will cause enormous costs,” wrote Union Berlin on its homepage.

Fate also touches a former Unioner: Leonardo Bonucci (37) was particularly generous. The Italian, who only spent half a year with the Ironsdonated a whopping 10,000 euros!

Nice gesture: Hertha stars, former Hertha professionals, ex-Unioners and Bundesliga professionals are also taking part in the campaign. Among those who donated were ex-Hertha goal scorer Haris Tabakovic (30), Lazar Samardzic, Diego Demme (32), Derry Scherhant (21), ex-Eiserner Julian Ryerson (26), but also Michael Gregoritsch (30).

““Separate in colors, separated in the cause,” wrote Hertha in response to a call for people to take part in the fundraising campaign. The donation target is two million euros. If the football stars continue to stick together like this, it could actually be achieved.