Dinkçi hails football family for response to partner's leukaemia

Heidenheim's Eren Dinkci reacts after the final whistle of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Heidenheim at the Deutsche Bank Park. Florian Wiegand/dpa

Heidenheim's Eren Dinkçi rang his coach in tears after discovering his partner Cinja had leukaemia, but the couple have since been buoyed by the response of the football world as they seek a stem cell donor.

"When it was confirmed, we were of course completely shocked," he told the Bild newspaper on Wednesday. "I don't have that many memories of it any more. I only remember calling the coach in tears to ask to stay with her for a few days and get time off."

No suitable donor has been found within the family so Heidenheim and his parent club Freiburg have urged fans to sign up to the German Bone Marrow Donor Registry at this Sunday's Bundesliga match between the clubs.

"I wouldn't force anyone. But ... it's not only about my partner, so many people are waiting," Dinkçi said. "No matter what blood group - everyone should inform themselves and register."

Dinkçi thanked people for their support.

"What has touched me particularly is how many people from the football world have got in touch - players I have played with or who I simply know. Everyone spread the news," he said.

"This business is often described as tough, but in moments like this you realize that the football family sticks together."