By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has offered his unconditional support for 22-year-old Kingsley Coman. The former German international said the club is ready to fight for the Frenchman's future.
"He's one of our most important players and a key figure in our future squad," Rummenigge said. The intention is for Coman to succeed club legends Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, who are both expected to leave the reigning German league champions at the end of the current season.
The French international indicated that he might retire should he suffer yet another serious injury. "If I need a third operation, I don't think I'll do it. Should I get injured again, then I think that's it. Enough is enough," the forward commented in a recent interview.
Coman is uncertain whether his left ankle will stand up to the pressures of the professional game saying "my foot isn't made for top level in football. I might have to live a different life, an anonymous life."
Despite his young age, the winger has already suffered 14 major injuries and missed the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Not being able to play for the French national team is said to have been a significant setback for the winger who is worth up to 65 million euro.
Since February 2018, Coman has been sidelined with torn ligaments in his left ankle and has been operated on twice.
His injuries have made him think about his future as a professional footballer, stressed the striker, who has been capped 15 times for his country.
The entire club, his teammates and coaching staff "are behind him, ready to help, if needed," Rummenigge said. The club boss said he understands Coman's doubts after such a long injury break.
Rummenigge said that he would not "overreact" and start thinking about retiring early. The 63-year-old once again repeated that the club is planning "to gain new success and win titles with Kingsley."
Today's football has become more and more aggressive, and it is almost impossible to avoid getting injured, said Rummenigge. Bayern will help Coman get over his frustration.
The club leader is convinced that Coman's goal this week against Ajax in the last Champions League group match will help to create optimism. It was the Frenchman's first game in this year's competition.
"He's already important and we're convinced he'll become more important in the future," the 1980 European champion said.
Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic said the latest goal will give Coman new motivation. "I know from personal experience just how hard it is going through the process of getting fit again as I experienced two major injuries in my career," the former midfielder said.
Bayern coach Niko Kovac said Coman's return into the team will "be done as carefully as possible." The winger will get "all the time he needs," he said.
Former Bayern and Liverpool player Dietmar Hamann said Bayern can't afford to lose Coman. Coman is vital for the club's future, said the 2005 Champions League winner.
"He stands for the new world-class factor in a Bayern shirt. He and Serge Gnabry are the new "Robbery". They are the legitimate successors of Bayern's current legendary pair of wingers," Hamann added.
