Chelsea and Germany goalkeeper Berger reveals cancer is back

Chelsea and Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has revealed she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer for the second time and will begin treatment this week.

Berger was initially diagnosed in November 2017 while at Birmingham City, but made a full recovery and was later named in the PFA Team of the Year.

However, the 31-year-old said on Tuesday that after four years without cancer, a recurrence was detected in her thyroid.

"I've said before that as an athlete you have to fight every day to be the best you can be and that's something I will continue to do," she said in a statement. .

"I hope that by sharing my journey, I can help others who are in a similar situation.

"I am working closely with my club doctor and specialist in London, and my treatment will begin this week.

"I remain confident that my treatment will be as effective as last time, and I look forward to getting back on the pitch and seeing you all at Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge."

Berger has played a key role between the sticks for Chelsea in their Women's Super League victories over the past three seasons.

The former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, who won the WSL Golden Glove in 2020-21, was also part of the Germany squad that reached the Euro 2022 final on last month.