BAYERN Munich's Joshua Kimmich has rejected suggestions he is an anti-vaxxer after admitting he is yet to be vaccinated against Covid.

The 26-year-old voiced his concerns about the long-term effects of the vaccine.

News emerged over the weekend that Kimmich was unvaccinated, despite the Bundesliga claiming in May that 94 per cent of players across its top two divisions had been jabbed.

He told Sky Sports Germany: "I have concerns about the lack of long-term studies. I am of course aware of my responsibility.

"I follow all hygiene measures and get tested every two to three days. Everyone should make the decision for themselves."

However he did go on to reveal he hasn't ruled out having the vaccine in the future.

Kimmich continued: "I find it a shame that there is only vaccinated and non-vaccinated in this debate. Non-vaccinated then seems to equal corona denier or anti-vaxxer. 

"But there are other people who just have concerns, whatever their reasons, and I think we should respect that as long as they also stick to the measures.

GET £60 IN FREE BETS Just sign up to Paddy Power and place £10 on any football

"I'm not saying categorically that I won't get vaccinated, I just still have some concerns.

"It is absolutely possible that I will get vaccinated in future."

Former long-standing Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has weighed in on the situation, urging the Germany star to be vaccinated due to being a 'role model'.

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, he said: “First of all, I would like to tell Kimmich that as a Bundesliga player he is a role model.

"I know him too as a great person. Of course, it was a surprise that he was not vaccinated. That has now led to a huge discussion.

"In February this year I suggested that it would be wise to vaccinate footballers as soon as possible, as they are role models for everyone else. That is why I have been horribly criticised. Now it has changed a bit.

"What Joshua does is very responsible because what he does is wait to see if there are any long-term side effects for himself, but as a role model, it would be better if he was vaccinated.

"I am convinced that he will soon be vaccinated because he is a totally responsible player."

On the pitch Kimmich has played for Bayern 275 times since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015.

Since then he's helped the Bavarian giants to Champions League glory in 2020, SIX Bundesliga titles, three German cups, the Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and five German Super Caps.

The versatile defensive midfielder has also played 64 times for Germany in what is so far a trophy-laden career.

⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

Source: Read Full Article