Birmingham City Ladies this morning announced that goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer:
After undergoing recent tests, the condition was discovered and Ann is to have surgery next month.
Ann, 27, will thereafter continue her treatment and receive the best possible medical care and attention. A popular figure at Blues and in the wider women’s football world, Ann is in a positive frame of mind as she prepares to embark on this challenging process. The thoughts of everyone at Blues Ladies and Birmingham City FC are with Ann and she will get all the support she requires from us.
Blues Ladies Manager Marc Skinner said: “Initially we were all devastated on hearing the news about Ann. However, when we sat down together and discussed the situation almost instantly Ann eradicated the fear and uncertainty. She is one of the strongest people I have ever met and the way she conducts herself daily is a true inspiration to all of us. The Club and team will ensure we do all we can to support Ann and her family through this difficult time. I have total belief that Ann will beat this illness and strive to be back playing again in the future and until that time she will be a huge motivating factor for the group.”
Xuandong Ren, Birmingham City FC Director and CEO added: “This news has come as a big shock and everyone at the Club is thinking of Ann at this time. Ann is part of our Blues family and we will help her in every possible way to come through this and return to what she loves doing, playing her football.”
German-born Ann joined Blues Ladies in June 2016 from Paris Saint-Germain. She established her reputation as one of Europe’s best goalkeepers in reaching the Champions League Final with PSG. Ann won the German League with Potsdam in 2012 and competed in the FA Cup Final 2017 and the Continental Cup Final 2016 with Blues Ladies.
Any updates on Ann’s progress will be provided via the Club.
All at She Kicks and of course we’re sure everyone across the sport, offer her and her family all the best wishes we can during her treatment and hope to see her back on the field & thwarting forwards as soon as possible.
