Stuttgart Kickers’ striker Daniel Engelbrecht couldn’t hide his delight: “It was the nicest day for me in the past year and a half.” The 24-year-old’s last minute winner against SV Wehen Wiesbaden capped a remarkable return to action for the player whose heart was operated on four times and plays with a defibrillator. After 16 months out he returned to action in November and scored for the first time today: “It was another important stage of my comeback – the fact it was the winner makes it even better.”
Celebrated with a message on his shirt
The striker, who was brought onto the field in the 83rd minute, celebrated in style. He lifted up his shirt to display a top emblazoned with the message “Nothing is impossible.” The obligatory yellow card couldn’t spoil his special moment.
“I can’t put it into words, to really know how I felt you would have to experience it yourself. When the ball hit the back of the net everyone seemed happy. They all knew what I have gone through. Everyone was happy: From the supporters to the kitman,” he said. “I hope that I will be able to have a few more special moments like this.”
"Others in my position have died"
It’s little wonder that the 24-year-old was so happy: “I’m lucky to be alive. Others in my position have died.” Roughly 16 months ago he collapsed in a game against Rot-Weiß Erfurt and was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart. He now plays with a defibrillator.
The striker was given the necessary psychological help after the incident, in which he feared he would die. He returned to the training field in summer but only began to join in full sessions with the team since the 1st November.
“That was the perfect ending. It was emotional for all of us. It’s marvellous that Daniel was able to score the winning goal,” said Kickers manager Horst Steffen.
Stuttgart Kickers’ striker Daniel Engelbrecht couldn’t hide his delight: “It was the nicest day for me in the past year and a half.” The 24-year-old’s last minute winner against SV Wehen Wiesbaden capped a remarkable return to action for the player whose heart was operated on four times and plays with a defibrillator. After 16 months out he returned to action in November and scored for the first time today: “It was another important stage of my comeback – the fact it was the winner makes it even better.”
Celebrated with a message on his shirt
The striker, who was brought onto the field in the 83rd minute, celebrated in style. He lifted up his shirt to display a top emblazoned with the message “Nothing is impossible.” The obligatory yellow card couldn’t spoil his special moment.
“I can’t put it into words, to really know how I felt you would have to experience it yourself. When the ball hit the back of the net everyone seemed happy. They all knew what I have gone through. Everyone was happy: From the supporters to the kitman,” he said. “I hope that I will be able to have a few more special moments like this.”
"Others in my position have died"
It’s little wonder that the 24-year-old was so happy: “I’m lucky to be alive. Others in my position have died.” Roughly 16 months ago he collapsed in a game against Rot-Weiß Erfurt and was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart. He now plays with a defibrillator.
The striker was given the necessary psychological help after the incident, in which he feared he would die. He returned to the training field in summer but only began to join in full sessions with the team since the 1st November.
“That was the perfect ending. It was emotional for all of us. It’s marvellous that Daniel was able to score the winning goal,” said Kickers manager Horst Steffen.
