Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich regrets not getting a vaccine after suffering a coronavirus-related injury
Bayern Munich‘S Joshua Kimmich said he regrets not making the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine sooner after the midfielder was ruled out until January due to the lingering effects of the coronavirus.
Kimmich, who has returned to light training but is struggling with minor lung problems after contracting COVID-19 in November, said last week he will miss the rest of the year.
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“In general, it’s hard for me to face my fears and anxieties, and that’s why I’ve remained undecided for a long time.” Kimmich told ZDF on Sunday.
“Perhaps I had to go through what I’ve been through now. Of course, looking back, I’d have liked to have made the decision to vaccinate earlier, but at the time it wasn’t possible for me. “
Kimmich revealed in October he wasn’t vaccinated and Club launched to support players, a move that caused a storm of criticism across Germany.
The midfielder said he had previously hoped to avoid the coronavirus through measures such as social distancing without vaccinations.
Following Kimmich’s comments, German Education and Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger praised the midfielder and tweeted: “As a professional footballer and national player, he is a role model for many. Vaccinations are more than a way out of a pandemic.”
26 years old, who was voted #2 among central midfielders in ESPN’s FC 100 rankings for 2021, said he understands the criticisms heading his way but some of them have gone too far.
“Personally, I have to say that some limits have been exceeded,” added Kimmich.
“I also have the feeling that someone or that person has tried to differentiate themselves through this situation. It’s not always just objective criticism.”
Bayern, who are having six clear points in Bundesliga, travel to face Stuttgart on Tuesday.
