Former Premier League Star Ivan Klasnic Discharged from Hospital Following Health Scare
Former Premier League striker Ivan Klasnic has been released from hospital after being admitted last month due to a virus that caused a high fever. The 46-year-old Croatian forward, best remembered in England for his three-year spell at Bolton Wanderers between 2009 and 2012, took himself to hospital as a precaution given his extensive medical history involving three kidney transplants.
Recovery and Well-Wishes from the Football Community
Klasnic remained in hospital while his condition stabilised, but has now confirmed to German newspaper BILD that he has returned home to be with his family. During his hospital stay, the football community rallied around him, with on-loan Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic dedicating his first goal for the Croatian national team to the former striker.
'I would like to dedicate this goal to him, as he has unfortunately been in the hospital for some time now,' Vuskovic said after scoring in Croatia's 2-1 win over Colombia. 'It is not an easy time for him.'
The Croatian forward scored 24 goals in 93 appearances for Bolton during his Premier League tenure, becoming a fan favourite despite the club's eventual relegation in 2012.
A Longstanding Battle with Health and Painkillers
Klasnic's recent hospitalisation is just the latest chapter in a long and public health struggle. Last year, he participated in an ARD documentary focusing on painkillers in sport, where he revealed how medications prescribed by his former club had severely impacted his health.
'Who knows how much longer I have left to live, I have to be grateful that I am still alive, even though I am ill and I need to take tablets,' Klasnic stated in the documentary. 'Of course I am furious. I would not want anybody to have to endure what I have been through.'
He emphasized that no amount of financial compensation could restore his health, saying, 'No matter how much money I have received in compensation, it won't bring my health back.'
Legal Action and Medical History
Klasnic's health issues date back to his time at German club Werder Bremen, where he played from 2001 to 2008. In 2007, he suffered kidney failure that required his first transplant, sidelining him for ten months. He later claimed that club doctors had been aware of kidney problems as early as 2002.
In 2020, Klasnic won a £4 million settlement from Werder Bremen after proving that painkillers administered by the club had exacerbated his renal disease. Two doctors associated with the club faced disciplinary action as a result of the lawsuit.
Despite these challenges, Klasnic achieved significant success on the pitch, winning a league and cup double with Werder Bremen in the 2003-04 season and earning 41 caps for Croatia, scoring 12 international goals.
Post-Retirement Life and Continued Involvement in Football
After leaving Bolton in 2012, Klasnic had a brief stint at Mainz before retiring in 2013. Remarkably, he underwent another kidney transplant in 2016 after becoming seriously ill again.
Despite his ongoing health battles, Klasnic has remained connected to football, representing a Werder Bremen legends team since his retirement. His openness about his medical struggles has brought attention to the use of painkillers in professional sports and the long-term health consequences for athletes.
The football world continues to monitor Klasnic's recovery as he spends time at home with his family following this latest health scare.
