It is a tough time for football. Rather we can say that it is not only a tough time for football but also for the football fans and players. Leagues and international competitions across the globe are either suspended or forced to postponed the fixtures.
Example of the competition being suspended is Euro 2020 which has potentially become Euro 2021.
For any virus or disease, there is no discrimination. Despite the footballers being super athletic and incredibly fit, they have become susceptible to the disease.
There are multiple instances where players are directly impacted. With COVID-19 wreaking the havoc across European football, here is the list of players and managers affected due to covid-19.
1. Mikel Arteta
The former Gooner midfielder and current-day their manager, Mikel Arteta was the first one among the managers across Europe to get infected. After the former midfielder was detected positive, Premier League authorities suspended the league until April 4. (However, it has been suspended for an indefinite period)
In a recent talk with La Sexta, Mikel Arteta said that he has recovered quite quickly and will be looking back to the action. Also, he said the symptoms have been cured and he said, he feels very well.
Arteta was in contact with Olympiakos manager when Gunners faced them in the Europa League knockout game. Olympiakos manager was detected with the coronavirus and the English Premier League club tested all the players. Among those, Arteta was detected positive and others were sent into self-isolation.
2. Callum Hudson Odoi
The England international was first among the Premier League players who have contacted the coronavirus. The 19-year-old was the first top-flight player contacted the virus which led to the partial closure of the training facilities at Stamford Bridge.
After the news broke the social media, Premier League suspended all the operations as Mikel Arteta was also detected with the virus the next day. However, in a recent update on social media handle, Callum Hudson Odoi said he has recovered completely and is hopeful of getting back to the pitch soon.
3. Daniele Rugani
The Juventus player was the first player in the Italian top flight to get affected by the virus. The Italian giants announced the player getting affected due to virus on their social media platforms after the whole country is suffering from the pandemic.
Daniele Rugani was confirmed with the virus after Juventus played Inter at Allianz Arena in a game which was played behind the closed doors. After the player was confirmed with the virus, all the players were sent into isolation in order to avoid the further spread of the disease. Former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, Cristiano Ronaldo moved out of Italy in order to avoid getting infected from the disease. Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo is in his hometown of Madeira helping his people to fight the pandemic.
4. Paulo Dybala
The 26-year old Argentine international was rumoured to be contracted with the coronavirus but the player denied it initially. He also went on to self-isolate himself along with his girlfriend.
However, the player himself announced that he has been contracted with the virus and has been tested positive with the virus. He also thanked the fans for their support during the tough times.
The attacking player was quite happy with the condition he is living in and according to the recent reports, Argentine has started to recover from the virus.
5. Marouane Fellaini
Former Manchester United defensive midfielder, Marouane Fellaini has caught the virus in China. Currently, the player lines up for Shandong Luneng after he moved to China following the departure of Jose Mourinho in 2018 December.
The Big Belgian is the first Chinese Super League player to get affected with the virus. Fellaini enjoyed the successful first season in China, scoring 13 goals and finishing fifth with his team in the league.
Former Everton midfielder took his twitter account to tell that he has been detected with the virus. He also thanked the medical team and support staff who are helping him to recover.
It is quite disgusting to see that a small virus is affecting the whole world football. Apart from the above-mentioned players, there are multiple footballers who are affected by the virus.
Ezequiel Garay of Valencia was the first the player of La Liga to get tested positive from the virus. AC Milan legend, Maldini and his 21-year old son were also tested positive for the virus.
Also, the top-flight club of Spain, Real Madrid sent its players into isolation after Garay and the other four were tested positive.
In a kind gesture by the players, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have took a pay cut of 70% to help the non-playing staff. The same kind of gesture is followed by the players and manager of Manchester United and Juventus.
Every football fan is expecting the competitions to return as quickly as possible. What are the possible solutions for the action to be returned? Or should the leagues be declared null and void? Comment your opinion below.
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