A former Bundesliga star is fighting for his life in a coma after undergoing emergency heart surgery as his ex-club and family appeal for financial help
A former Bundesliga star is fighting for his life in a coma after undergoing emergency heart surgery.
Kreso Kovacec, 56, starred in Germany’s top-flight for Hansa Rostock between 1999 and 2002, also playing for Hannover 96 in the second tier. But the striker is now fighting for his life after a sudden rupture of his aorta required emergency heart surgery. The Croatian-born star then needed brain surgery to treat complications from the surgery.
Kovacec suffered a stroke and a haemorrhage as a result of those complications and a fundraiser has been set up by a friend of the family to cover his care costs and help his family financially.
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A statement attached to the page read: “His wife and two children, aged nine and 15, have since been experiencing the worst nightmare of their lives. The doctors are doing everything in their power. But currently, no one can say what path Kreso will take.
“Those who know Kreso know what an extraordinary person he is. And those who don’t know him should understand why so many people are standing up for him today.
“In addition to the unimaginable emotional strain, his family is suddenly facing enormous financial challenges. The loss of his income has deprived them of their most important source of income.
“Should Kreso survive this difficult battle, he will likely require extensive rehabilitation, care, assistive devices, and possibly a move to an accessible apartment.”
The fundraiser, which is now close to reaching £30,000, was supported by his former club Hannover too, who posted a link on their club website.
The club wrote: “Kreso Kovacec, who shot his way into the hearts of Hannover fans with many goals in the late 90s, is in a coma after emergency surgery. Anyone who wants to support his family during this time can participate in a donation campaign.”
Kovacec scored just three times in the top-flight but had a more prolific career in the lower divisions. He reportedly works as a used-car dealer in Augsburg.