The storied career of Ivan Klasnic, a journey that saw him grace the pitches of both the Bundesliga and the Premier League, has taken a tragic turn. The former Croatian forward, now 45, faces a profound personal struggle. His health is slowly being eroded by painkillers, a direct consequence of having already undergone three kidney transplants. Klasnic has revealed he could pass away at any moment.
“Who knows how much time I have left?” Klasnic lamented in a German documentary, expressing his sorrow. “I have to be thankful I’m still alive, even if I’m sick and constantly need medication. Of course, I get furious. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone. The compensation money I received doesn’t matter; it won’t bring back the health I lost.”
He continued, shedding light on a pervasive issue in modern football. Klasnic believes it’s incredibly difficult for players to perform at their best on the field without relying on painkillers. He added, “I think it’s impossible to play any professional sport without taking some kind of pills for pain relief.” He now regrets his own choices, stating, “If I had known about my kidney problems, I would never have started taking this kind of medication.”
In 2020, Werder Bremen was legally compelled to pay Klasnic roughly €4.6 million in compensation. This lengthy court battle spanned more than a decade. The former player had argued that the club’s doctors acted negligently by failing to warn him about his existing kidney issues.