A former German international footballer suffered horrific injuries after a shocking ski accident in Austria.
Michael Preetz, 58, who now serves as chief executive at Duisburg, suffered a heavy fall whilst descending the slopes.
The incident occurred at the popular resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm, where the former Hertha Berlin general manager broke three ribs in the crash.
He was immediately transported to the hospital.
Medical staff subsequently diagnosed him with both a punctured and collapsed lung, requiring urgent surgical intervention.
The accident has left the ex-international facing a lengthy recovery period away from physical activity.
Preetz underwent an operation on Friday, during which surgeons inserted a tube into his lungs to address the damage.
The procedure appears to have been successful.
Michael Preetz suffered horrific injuries after a shocking ski accident in Austria
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The former striker expressed cautious optimism about his recovery.
He told German newspaper BILD: “The slope was very icy at one point and I fell violently, although I am actually a more than passable skier.”
He described the aftermath as extremely uncomfortable, telling the publication: “I crashed all over my ribs. It is very painful, especially when coughing and laughing.”
The Duisburg chief executive revealed he has been placed under an eight-week prohibition from sporting activities as part of his rehabilitation.
Preetz transitioned into football administration
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Preetz must now undertake regular breathing exercises to aid his recovery.
He added: “The most important thing is that my lungs fully unfold again, I can get rid of the tube soon and get out of the clinic.”
The 58-year-old indicated he expects to be discharged from the medical facility soon, suggesting the worst of his treatment may now be behind him.
Preetz’s playing career began in 1986 with Fortuna Dusseldorf, before he went on to represent Saarbrucken, Wattenscheid, and Duisburg.
He took up his current role at Duisburg in 2024
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However, it was at Hertha Berlin where he truly established himself, netting 108 goals and providing 30 assists across 278 appearances before hanging up his boots in 2003.
On the international stage, he earned seven caps for Germany, finding the net on three occasions.
Following his retirement, Preetz transitioned into football administration, serving as Hertha’s management assistant from 2003 to 2009 before being promoted to general manager, a position he held until 2021.
He took up his current role at Duisburg in 2024.