Former Ipswich Town forward Balint Bajner has revealed his three-year battle with Covid after returning to football.

The 33-year-old Hungarian has joined his hometown club of Haladás, who play in the second-tier, having last played at Pécsi MFC in 2021. 

In a post on social media, Bajner revealed: "It was a hard time. I lost my father, (had) Covid six times, four times hospital admission by ambulance, one year post-Covid19 syndrome, but now I'm more motivated than ever, I'm more determined than ever, I'm more hungry than ever, I'm stronger than ever. I did it, I'm back!"

 

The 6ft 6in striker joined Ipswich under Mick McCarthy's management in the summer of 2014 having previously played for Borussia Dortmund's second team.

He wildly celebrated a pre-season friendly goal at Southend, but was then subbed just before half-time in the opening day 2-1 home win against Fulham. McCarthy explained: “He was b******d. The lads call him Badger, well he was a b******d Badger. That was a bit of a welcome to the Championship for him today.”

That proved to be Bajner's only start for the club. He made just six more sub appearances during the season Town secured a Championship play-off place and went on to have a brief spell at Notts County in 2015.