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Bayern star regrets not taking the vaccine after post-Covid lung issue

Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich
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Joshua Kimmich confirms he will take a vaccine but says the German media has mistreated him with their criticism.

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich publicly announced he had not taken a vaccine in November. He then spent two weeks in quarantine due to close contact with a person who had tested positive for COVID-19.

However, shortly after getting out of the quarantine, he tested positive for the virus. The Bayern star ended his self-isolating period a few weeks ago. Bayern fans expected to see Kimmich back in training before their match against Mainz.

After a few tests on Thursday, Bayern doctors diagnosed the player with a lung infection. Kimmich will be out of action until after the New Year as he cannot participate in training sessions.

In a new interview, the Bayern star says he regrets his earlier decision to avoid the vaccine.

 “In general, it was just difficult for me to deal with my fears and concerns, that’s why I was undecided for so long,” Kimmich told ZDF.

“Maybe I had to go through what I have now gone through first. Of course, looking back, I would like to make the vaccination decision earlier, but at the time it wasn’t possible for me.”

Asked about the newly-developed lung issue, Kimmich responded: “There is a risk that it will get to my heart and that I will suffer longer consequences.”

Kimmich reacts to criticism from German media

Kimmich received widespread criticism for his reluctance over the vaccination. The Bayern star believes the media should have handled his case differently.

“I have to say personally that some of the limits have been exceeded.

“I also had the feeling that there was one or another who tried to make a name for themselves through this situation. It wasn’t always just objective criticism.

“We always talk about respect, tolerance, openness – and these are precisely the values ​​that I particularly missed in my discussion.”

Bayern have lost their dynamic in midfield in the absence of Kimmich. The Bavarians still manage to win their games, but they have suffered a significant decline of form.

Following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mainz, Bayern will face Stuttgart in their next Bundesliga game on Tuesday.

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