Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that former West Ham striker Sebastien Haller has a malignant tumour in his testicle.

The German club announced the sad news on Saturday in a short statement on their official website.

Dortmund signed Haller for a fee in the region of £30m in the summer, after he enjoyed some electric form for Ajax. In total, he scored 47 goals in 65 games for the Dutch club.

Haller now has to undergo chemotherapy as he aims to make a full recovery.

Dortmund have confirmed that the Ivory Coast international will receive the best possible care, with the club’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl saying: “Sebastien will now receive the best possible treatment. The chances of recovery are very good. We wish him and his family a lot of strength and optimism and our thoughts are with him during this difficult time.”

The Bundesliga side have confirmed that they will not be releasing any further information about Haller’s treatment as he continues to battle the disease and aims to get back on the pitch.

Everyone at ClaretandHugh would like to send Haller our very best wishes. Once a Hammer, always a Hammer.