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Footballer Moves to Hometown Club for Leukemia-Stricken Fiancée; Club Waives Loan Fee

Footballer Moves to Hometown Club for Leukemia-Stricken Fiancée; Club Waives Loan Fee

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • German footballer Eren Dinkçi, 24, has moved to his hometown club Werder Bremen on loan from SC Freiburg to be closer to his fiancée, Shnya, who is undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
  • Shnya expressed a desire to be treated near her family, prompting Dinkçi's decision to relocate to Bremen, where his own family and friends reside.
  • SC Freiburg supported Dinkçi's personal circumstances by agreeing to a one-year loan deal with a reduced fee of approximately €400,000 and without a mandatory purchase option.

The heartwarming story of German footballer Eren Dinkçi has captured public attention as he makes a significant personal sacrifice for his fiancée. Dinkçi, a 24-year-old forward, transferred on loan from SC Freiburg to his hometown club, Werder Bremen, this summer. The move was driven by a deeply personal reason: his fiancée, Shnya, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia earlier this year.

Shnya's wish to receive treatment close to her family was a primary factor in the decision. Dinkçi, wanting to provide unwavering support during this challenging time, chose to move back to Bremen, the city where his own family and friends are located. This decision underscores the profound bond between the couple and Dinkçi's commitment to her well-being.

SC Freiburg, Dinkçi's parent club, demonstrated remarkable understanding and support for his situation. They agreed to the one-year loan deal with Werder Bremen under favorable terms. The loan fee was set at approximately €400,000, a modest sum, and crucially, it did not include a mandatory purchase clause, allowing Dinkçi flexibility for his future.

Dinkçi has openly shared his support for Shnya, including posting a video in July of himself shaving her head as she underwent chemotherapy and lost her hair. The couple's resilience and shared journey through this difficult period have resonated with fans, who have offered widespread support and encouragement. Their story highlights the human element behind professional sports, where personal challenges often take precedence.

Many people now know that my fiancée has leukemia. She also wanted to return home or be close to home.

— Eren DinkçiExplaining his decision to move back to Bremen to be with his fiancée during her cancer treatment.
About this summary

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.