Almost two weeks ago, goalkeeper Maria Grohs announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would be absent from football for an indefinite period. The news hit Bayern München hard, says the team's centre-back Magdalena Eriksson.
You think "it can't happen, it can't be true, she's so young and so healthy and has so much energy." It's been hard to understand it in any way, says Eriksson during a press conference in Leskovac with the Swedish national team ahead of Thursday's European Championship playoff away against Serbia.
Recently selected for the national team
She tells us that "Mala", as she is called, is still participating in the team's training sessions.
It's been incredibly inspiring to see "Mala" throughout this entire period of great uncertainty. She has always been so calm, so composed, so strong. So seeing how strong she is has strengthened us all around her as well.
Grohs joined Bayern München in 2019 and has won three league titles with the club. Last month, she was selected for the German national team, but was forced to decline, according to the AP news agency due to a tonsil operation, also known as a tonsillectomy.
"Exactly right"
In the midst of this difficult situation, Bayern München's actions are also warming, says Magdalena Eriksson. The German giant chose to respond to the illness news by extending Grohs' contract. It will be extended until the summer of 2026, so that the 23-year-old German can focus on her treatment in peace and quiet.
Then you feel proud of the club you play for. It feels completely right. That's how it should be. The club has done exactly the right thing, I must say.
It's also been incredibly nice to see all the love and support she's received throughout the country. Every team has done something for her. The entire German league has really rallied around "Mala".
