Bayern Munich star Sven Ulreich's six-year-old son Len dies as player issues statement

Sven Ulreich, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, has confirmed his six-year-old son Len has died after battling "serious illness". Ulreich said the decision to go public with the news has been a difficult one, with the 36-year-old and his family asking for privacy.

"It is with deep sadness that we would like to announce today that our son Len passed away a few weeks ago after a long, serious illness," Ulreich said in a statement. "The decision to make this public now is incredibly difficult for us – however, it is an important step for us as a family to create clarity in our environment and also in the public eye.

"Together with our daughter, we are now trying to find our way back to life step by step. Special thanks go to our families, friends, and FC Bayern Munich for their discretion and great support over the past few months – that means a lot to us.

"We ask the public and media representatives to be considerate and respect our privacy. We kindly ask you to refrain from further inquiries or statements. Lisa & Sven."

Len was born in 2018, during Ulreich's first spell at Bayern Munich. The keeper left for Hamburg in 2020 but returned to Bavaria one year later.

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A number of fans of Bayern and other clubs have shared messages of condolences after learning of the news. "May he rest in peace... stay strong, Sven and family," one wrote.

"I feared that something like this was the reason for his absence," said another. "Horrible. Praying for peace, strength, and comfort. What is more devastating as a parent than losing your child..."

"You could see in his few public appearances in the last months that he was going through something terrible," wrote a third. "Now the heartbreaking certainty. The worst thing that can happen to any parent. Sending lots of strength to Ulle and his family. Rest in peace, Len"

Ulreich, a former Germany Under-21 international, has made more than 100 Bayern appearances across his two spells with the club. He featured just twice last season, once in the Bundesliga and once in the Champions League, as Vincent Kompany's side won the league title.

The veteran keeper was spotted in an open training session on Wednesday as Kompany's side prepare to get their new season up and running. They will take on Stuttgart in the DFL-Supercup on August 16 while their first league game comes at home to RB Leipzig six days after that.

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