GERMAN footie star Steffen Kienle DIED on the pitch last week but was brought back to life thanks to a heroic effort from medical staff.
The VfR Aalen hitman’s heart stopped after he collided with the post in the 67th minute of their clash with Hoffenheim II.
GettyVfR Aalen’s Steffen Kienle died on the pitch last week but was brought back to life[/caption]
The 28-year-old lay unconscious after crashing into the post and concerns for his condition quickly arose.
Referee Niclas Zemke immediately sprang into action after realising the danger Kienle was in and positioned him so his tongue didn’t restrict his breathing.
A medic then performed a successful cardiopulmonary massage to bring Kienle back just moments before a defibrillator was going to be administered.
Aalen manager Tobias Cramer said of the incident: “He was dead.
“Or to put it another way: He was no longer in this world.
“A heart fibrillation was triggered by the hit against the post.
“The body has not got out of the cardiac arrhythmias. Then the heart stopped.”
The incident was a harrowing one for Cramer and his players, who went on to suffer a 1-0 defeat, to watch unfold.
The 48-year-old recalled: “My boys sat on the lawn and cried.
“You also noticed with the youngsters from Hoffenheim that they had never experienced anything like this before.”
Kienle was treated by paramedics before being transported to the hospital to undergo further assessment.
Cramer said of the striker’s condition: “The values are good, he is very clear.
“He’ll be given a full check again, but it looks like he’s undamaged.
“He just has a massive headache, so an MRI is done on his head.”
Days after his near brush with death, Kienle inked a new deal with Aalen.
An excerpt of a club statement read: “VfR Aalen can announce the next two personal details for the coming season: Steffen Kienle has extended his contract by two more years.”