Premier League icon shares health update after heartbreaking admission: 'Who knows how much longer I have'

Ed Griffiths
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Ivan Klasnic, the former Bolton Wanderers forward who has endured three kidney transplants throughout his life, is back home following a hospital stay that began last month.

The 46-year-old Croatian was admitted after developing a high temperature caused by a viral infection, prompting him to seek medical attention, given his complex health background.

German reports indicate the ex-Premier League striker's condition has now stabilised, and he has confirmed to Bild that he has returned to his family.

Klasnic, who netted 24 goals during his three seasons at Bolton between 2009 and 2012, treated the illness with appropriate caution.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

During the recent international break, Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic paid tribute to his fellow countryman after finding the net for Croatia for the first time.

The Hamburg-based youngster, currently on loan from Spurs, scored in Croatia's 2-1 victory against Colombia and chose to honour Klasnic with the moment.

Vuskovic said following the match: "I would like to dedicate this goal to him, as he has unfortunately been in the hospital for some time now."

The young defender added: "It is not an easy time for him."

Klasnic represented Croatia 41 times during his playing career, scoring 12 goals.

Klasnic's ongoing health difficulties trace back to his time at Werder Bremen.

The club doctors prescribed painkillers despite being aware of an underlying kidney problem as early as 2002.

The medication worsened his undiagnosed renal condition.

LATEST SPORT NEWS

Wales legend Aaron Ramsey retires from football as former Arsenal star issues emotional statement

ITV viewers rage as broadcasting error causes EFL fans to miss decisive goal

'Extraordinary' British teen wins karate medal at world championships despite health issues as child

It ultimately led to kidney failure in 2007 and his first transplant, which sidelined him for 10 months.

In 2020, the former striker secured approximately £4million in compensation after legal proceedings found the German club's treatment had damaged his health.

Two doctors faced punishment following the case.

Speaking in an ARD documentary last year, Klasnic reflected on his situation: "Who knows how much longer I have left to live, I have to be grateful that I am still alive, even though I am ill and I need to take tablets."

He expressed his anger at the circumstances: "Of course, I am furious. I would not want anybody to have to endure what I have been through.

"No matter how much money I have received in compensation, it won't bring my health back."

Despite everything, Klasnic enjoyed considerable success on the pitch, winning the Bundesliga title with Werder Bremen in 2003-04 along with the German Cup and League Cup.

He made over 200 appearances for the club, finding the net 77 times before moving to Nantes in 2008 and subsequently to Bolton.

Following his retirement in 2013 after a spell at Mainz, he required a third transplant in 2016 but continues to turn out for Werder Bremen's legends side.