Soccer stars who have contracted Covid-19 have spoken out about their experience with the disease.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, whose confirmation that he has the coronavirus on Friday triggered the Premier League’s decision to suspend football until April 3, said on Sunday that he was “already feeling better.
After feeling fever and symptoms last week, on Saturday he tweeted: “Thanks for your words and support,We’re all facing a huge and unprecedented challenge.
“Everyone’s health is all that matters right now. Protect each other by following the guidelines. We’ll come through this together.”
Thanks for your words and support.Feeling better already.We’re all facing a huge & unprecedented challenge.Everyone’s health is all that matters right now.Protect each other by following the guidelines & we’ll come through this together.Well done PL for making the right decisions pic.twitter.com/0rnwHmQWha
— Mikel Arteta (@m8arteta) March 13, 2020
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi became the first Premier League player to be diagnosed with the novel illness.
The teenager tweeted: “As you may be aware, I’ve had the virus for the last couple of days, which I’ve recovered from.
“I’m feeling fine. Following the health guidelines and self-isolating myself from everybody for the week. I hope to see everybody soon and hopefully be back on the pitch very soon.”
Thank you for all your good wishes, as I said in the video I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon!!🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/hn5d0ikm60
— Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) March 13, 2020
Hannover 96 defender Timo Hubers, who tested positive on March 11, says he is also feeling good.
The 23-year-old said of Saturday: “Today I have mild flu symptoms, but nothing I have never experienced before in my life. Boredom is much worse.
‘It’s day four of fourteen for me – and it’s quite difficult to get through the days.’
Brendan Rodgers: "We've had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs (of coronavirus). We’ve followed procedures and (as a precaution) they have been kept away from the squad." pic.twitter.com/KZDXeRgzhT
— Leicester City (@LCFC) March 12, 2020
Leicester also have three of players in quarantine, but the club has not announced the results of the tests
Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is in self-isolation after a family member tested positive.
— Eliaquim Mangala (@Elia22Mangala) March 15, 2020
Soccer stars affected:
Players: Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Timo Hubers and Jannes Horn (Hannover), Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea), Manolo Gabbiadini (Sampdoria), Omar Colley, Albin Ekdal, Antonino La Gumina, Morten Thorsby (all Sampdoria), Patrick Cutrone and German Pezzella (Fiorentina)
Managers: Mikel Arteta (Arsenal).