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Ivan Klasnic Says Painkillers Given at Werder Bremen Left Him Fearing for His Life

In a German TV documentary, the former Bolton striker said a 2020 malpractice payout has not restored his health after three transplants.

Overview

  • Klasnic, 45, says he "could die at any time" and continues to rely on daily tablets.
  • He blames painkillers prescribed during his Werder Bremen years for worsening an undiagnosed kidney disease that led to three transplants.
  • He won nearly £4 million in 2020 after a 12-year legal battle against Bremen’s doctors over medical failings.
  • He says he would have refused the medication had he known about his kidneys and describes pain-relief drugs as widespread in professional sport.
  • The former Croatia international won a 2004 double with Bremen, later played for Nantes and Bolton, and retired in 2013 after a stint at Mainz.