Story By:  Sofija Dizdarevik, Sub-Editor:  Alex Cope, Agency:  Newsflash

Former Bolton Wanderers striker Ivan Klasnic has warned he is at an increased “risk” from the coronavirus as his immune system is weak after undergoing three kidney transplants.

Former Croatian international Klasnic, 40, made the comments to his army of 105,000 online followers accompanied with a picture of himself apparently coming out of surgery.

The picture shows Klasnic in 2017 lying in a hospital bed with wires attached to his body monitoring his vital signs seemingly just coming out of surgery. The former striker is seen saluting the camera with a ‘thumbs up’ sign with his left hand.

He captioned the snap saying “I am one of those at risk”, referring to the coronavirus, officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, as those at greatest risk to die from the virus are people of advanced age or with pre-existing conditions such as weak immune systems.

Klasnic went on to say: “Unfortunately, my immune system is not as good as yours, which is surely the result of my three kidney transplants”.

“Please don’t ignore the new situation and try to follow the rules. Doctors and all hospital staff are at their limit, let’s not give them even more unnecessary work.”

Klasnic’s comments received support by his fans as ‘mariokekez0009’ wrote: “My dear Ivan, you are just like me from the risk group and I fully understand and support you in every word. You were always real, positive in everything. I wish you all the best, dear”.

‘Lloydnwagboso: commented: “Sending love to you brother” and ‘marcosalonso28’ said “Be strong my brother”.

Klasnic had his first kidney transplant in 2007 after his mother donated her kidney to him however he had to undergo the process again after his body rejected it.

His second kidney transplant was successful, which was donated by his father, which allowed him to play professional football for more nine years.

He was the first player to participate in a major tournament after a kidney transplant when he represented Croatia at the 2008 European Championships.

He received his third transplant in 2017 which was successful. It is unclear why the former striker had to undergo the procedure a third time.

Klasnic played for Bolton Wanderers for three years between 2009 and 2012 before he made a move to Bundesliga side FSV Mainz 05 where he retired after one year in 2013.

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