Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has disclosed he had three surgeries to remove skin cancer from his face.
The 36-year-old revealed that his personal experience with cancer was a motivating factor in his decision to launch a skincare line called “Newkee” with three-time tennis Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber.
“We both have a very personal history of skin diseases,” he said during a press release.
“In Angelique’s case it’s sun-related hyperpigmentation, and in my case it’s skin cancer on my face, which I’ve already had to have operated on three times.”
“That’s why we also took special care not to make any compromises when it comes to sun protection: Because I train outside all the time and also like to spend my free time in nature.”
There were no reports of the cancer diagnoses nor the timing of Neuer’s surgeries. In December 2021, Neuer had a bandage on his face before Bayern Munich’s Champions League match versus Barcelona.
This is when rumours began to circulate that he was sick. Neuer still has the face scar today.
Neuer started Bayern Munich’s first nine league games before he went out injured with a shoulder injury.He is presently making his way back to full health in time for Bayern Munich’s last three matches before the World Cup.
On Saturday, Bayern will visit Hertha BSC where Neuer might feature in. Then, they will host Werder Bremen before visiting Schalke. After that, the Bundesliga will take a break for the World Cup which starts on the 21 November.
The veteran goalkeeper will be joining his country’s team for this month’s event in Qatar. He previously helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Source: Eurosport, Daily Mail