Bayern Munich star Kimmich declares he WILL get COVID-19 vaccine, confirms January return after lung issue

The Germany international had remained undecided about getting jabbed as he held concerns over a lack of long-term studies, insisting he was not an anti-vaxxer.

His unwillingness to have the vaccination caused him plenty of problems, including docked wages.

But he's now finally confirmed he will get two doses.

"In general, it was just difficult for me to deal with my fears and concerns, that's why I was undecided for so long," the 26-year-old told ZDF.

Kimmich has been absent for Bayern after contracting COVID-19 and a subsequent issue with his lungs.

In a statement released on Bayern's official site, Kimmich had said: "I'm happy my self-isolation caused by the coronavirus has ended.

"I'm doing very well, but I'm not yet able to train fully due to slight infiltrations in my lungs.

"I'll therefore do some rehabilitative training and can't wait to be fully back in action in January."

New Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger has praised Kimmich's move.

"It's a good decision," the politician said on Twitter.

"As a professional footballer and national player, he is a role model for many people. More vaccinations are the way out of the pandemic."