'Incredibly difficult' - Bayern Munich star announces tragic death of six-year-old son

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich has announced the heartbreaking death of his six-year-old son.

The German shared the tragic update on Friday morning.

3 Ulreich opened up on the difficult decision to make the tragic news public Credit: Getty

Ulreich's son, Len, lost his battle with a 'long, serious illness' and sadly passed away in June.

The Bayern 'keeper wrote on Instagram: "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.

"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."

Ulreich removed the comment section on his post to allow him and his family to have some privacy.

Len was born in November 2018, three years after Ulreich joined Bayern Munich from VfB Stuttgart.

The goalkeeper spent five years at Bayern between 2015 and 2020, before returning for a second spell a year later.

3 Ulreich announced the tragic death of his son on Instagram on Friday Credit: @svenulreichoffiziell / Instagram

He has since been with the Bundesliga champions for another four years and recently signed a new deal.

In fact, Ulreich's contract extension came just three days before he revealed the tragic news about his son.

Speaking about the shot stopper then, Bayern's director of sport, Max Eberl, said: "Sven Ulreich is reliability personified: he delivers what he promises - in the truest sense of the word.

"Characters like him are good for any team. We're delighted he'll be spending another season with us."

Ulreich has made over 100 appearances for Bayern over the years, winning the German title nine times.

Tributes are now flooding in for the 36-year-old, with his club sure to pay respects to his son too after the tragic news.

3 The goalkeeper signed a new Bayern contract just three days ago Credit: fcbayern.com

Paying tribute

Football fans have been leaving messages for Ulreich and his family following the announcement.

One wrote: "Wishing a lot of strength to Sven and his family. RIP Len"

Another said: "May God give him strength horrible, horrible news."

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

A fourth said: "Rest in peace, Len. I wish to whole Ulreich -family a lot of strength!"

"Rest in peace, Len and take care Ulle and your family," another wrote.

Click here to read article