Chelsea Women star Ann-Katrin Berger reveals she has thyroid cancer

Chelsea Women’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has revealed she has been re-diagnosed with thyroid cancer following four years in remission. 

Berger, 31, was first diagnosed with cancer in November 2017 while she played for Birmingham City Ladies. 

After four months she recovered but has now revealed that the cancer has returned following an analysis of her thyroid and she will begin treatment in London this week. 

Berger wrote in a statement on social media: ‘I wanted to update fans directly that unfortunately, after four years of living cancer-free there has been a recurrence detected in my thyroid.

‘I’ve said before that as a sportsperson you have to fight every day to be the best you can be and that’s something I will continue to do and I hope by sharing my journey, I can help others that find themselves in a similar situation.

‘I am working closely with my club doctor and specialist in London and my treatment will start this week. 

‘I remain positive that my treatment will be as effective as last time and I’m looking forward to returning to the pitch and seeing you all at Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge.’

In a statement of their own, Chelsea added: ‘Everyone at Chelsea is behind her during this difficult time and the club will provide any support we can to help her make a speedy recovery.

‘We look forward to seeing her back between the posts for the Blues as soon as possible.’

Her fight against cancer in 2017 saw her return to Birmingham’s team and her form was so impressive she won a place in the PFA Women’s Team of the Year, as well as being selected as the Women’s Super League’s Players’ Player of the Year. 

Berger has spoken previously about how she believes her first battle with cancer was a ‘good thing’ for her career as she returned to football ‘stronger than ever’. 

Speaking to The Women’s Football Show in May last year, Berger said: ‘It was not a good diagnosis and was a hard time.

‘But I think for my career it was a good thing as I came out of it stronger than ever. Sometimes you take things for granted and I think I probably took football for granted at the time.

‘So in some ways, it was good as the threat of having it taken away from me made me enjoy football more.’ 

Zećira Mušović is expected to fill in for Chelsea in Berger’s absence.