Bayern Munich goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann claimed he was forced to play while suffering from coronavirus on loan with Sunderland last season.
The former Foreign German player was loaned out to the Black Cats and made just about two dozen appearances for them this season before being replaced by Anthony Patterson for the successful Ligue 1 playoff final encounter at Wembley.
It has now emerged that he has endured ongoing struggles with Covid-19, and the 23-year-old said he appeared while still suffering from the virus.
“When I got here after seven days of quarantine, it went straight to the point,” Hoffmann told Bild.
“There was an immediate control that was still positive. I had to play with the coronavirus. I wasn’t doing well physically, but the club looked for me to be tougher. “
Hoffmann returned to Munich in February for a review and made no further appearances with the Black Cats, as they were later given a promotion.
The goalkeeper’s loan expired at the end of the campaign, while the goalkeeper is his figure now with a year to go at Bayern.
The newly promoted champion team flatly denied Hoffman’s comments and said they were in contact with the player’s agents to discuss why he made them.
One on the club’s online page read: “Sunderland categorically refutes the allegations published the previous day via Bild.
“The report includes a number of false and erroneous statements relating to Ron-Thorben Hoffmann and the club has contacted the player’s representatives to explain the comments made.
“SAFC has complied with all government and EFL rules and protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to ensure that the physical condition and well-being of all staff are protected at all times. “