Borussia Mönchengladbach: Stefan Lainer’s future open after comeback

Survived cancer

After his comeback almost six months after his cancer diagnosis, Stefan Lainer from Borussia Mönchengladbach is looking forward optimistically and full of energy. “Of course you always have to keep an eye on it. But basically it’s all fire now,” said the Austrian international, who came on as a substitute in the 71st minute of Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat against FC Augsburg.

Despite the defeat, it was a “lucky moment that I feel fit and can give it my all,” said the 31-year-old, who was diagnosed with lymph node cancer during summer preparation: “I feel in good shape and am looking forward to the future. The past is what it is. I made the best of it.”

Lainer assured me that he “never doubted” during his time of suffering: “I am a person who accepts it as it is. I never looked back, I was always positive. My doctor guided me very well. Everything went really smoothly. Of course, luck is also part of it. And lots of people who support you. Now being back on the pitch in front of the fans was definitely the most emotional game of my career.”

Lainer’s future at Borussia Mönchengladbach is open

It is currently unclear whether the right-back, who came from Salzburg in 2019 and whose contract is expiring, will still play for Borussia next season. “We are in open and clear communication with the boy and his management,” said sports director Nils Schmadtke. “And then we’ll see what comes out of it in the end.”

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