Football across the major five European leagues has been suspended due to the Coronavirus outbreak and the ongoing pandemic has impacted a handful of people who are directly involved with the sport.
Pepe Reina is on loan at Aston Villa from AC Milan and the Villa goalkeeper gave an interview to El Partidazo of Cope to discuss the current situation, and Marca have relayed his comments.
The former Liverpool man has confirmed he has had symptoms of Covid-19 himself, but he hasn’t been tested, due to the current guidelines in the UK>
“Last week it was my turn to go through the bug. It has been a different week, of taking precautions not to infect the people who live with me,” he said.
“Here tests are not conducted unless you are [in a] very bad [state]. Speaking to the doctors, the symptoms I had were of it, without official confirmation of it but everything pointed to it.”
The Aston Villa player went on to explain those in his position, as a professional footballer have been lucky when it comes to dealing with staying at home.
“We are very privileged people. We have a big house, with a garden. I think of the people who live in a 70m2 apartment with two children and for me they are people who are showing a lot of strength,” he added.
The Premier League has been postponed until April 30th, but the return of football isn’t a priority for Reina as of now.
“Football takes a back seat. I don’t care much, really. Everyone’s wellbeing goes above anything else,” the Spaniard stressed.
“I don’t know if we will play again this season. We have to be careful when talking about dates or deadlines. I understand that there are economic interests and a lot at stake, but as in any other sector.
“There’s no point in playing without fans [in the stadium]. People have to enjoy it. We feel more fulfilled with fans. Beyond that, whatever is healthier and safer will be done.”
