RKC forward Jesse van de Haar reflects on father’s recovery after cerebral infarction

RKC forward Jesse van de Haar has spoken about the difficult months his family have experienced since his father Hans suffered a cerebral infarction. Van de Haar senior was recently able to attend in Waalwijk, although his recovery remains ongoing.

The attacker told ESPN, in comments reported by VI, that he had underestimated how challenging the situation would be. Seeing his father in hospital came as a major shock, and although Hans is making progress, Jesse said he is still some way from being his old self.

Hans continues to follow his son’s career closely despite being unable to drive and becoming tired quickly. Jesse recalled that when he played for SK Beveren in Belgium last year, his father would still make the effort to attend. If the forward started on the bench, Hans sometimes slept in the car during the first half so that he had enough energy to watch if Jesse came on after the break.

Van de Haar expressed his gratitude for that commitment and highlighted the determination shared by father and son. As quoted by VI, the RKC attacker said: “He never gives up. Neither do I.”