Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
Former Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has said “we are all potentially dangerous” saying that he “is an example” after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Valencia centre-back Mangala, 29, made the comments in an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe after he and a reported 35 percent of the Valencia squad tested positive for COVID-19.
Despite not showing any symptoms, the defender has not lost sight of the gravity of the current situation saying: “Not everybody is lucky enough to have a functional immune system.
“We are all potentially dangerous, even if you do not have symptoms you can be a danger, it is a risk. I am an example.
“What has been happening in Italy for weeks is now happening to us. This is not a joke! We cannot show up at a park as if nothing happened, that is not how we are going to beat the epidemic.”
When speaking a solution, Mangala said: “The reality is that the only solution is containment.
“When I was told about the containment measures, the 14-day deadline, the fact that I had to keep my kids away, I understood that this is no joke.
“I am lucky I have a home where my family can keep isolated. We avoid crossing paths as much as possible. I have zero symptoms which means I can maintain myself doing exercise.
“We were given a (workout) program. I go to my garden with a mask to carry on training. Then I watch documentaries, films, play video games. There is Netflix and I read too.”
Mangala went on to say: “As long as it does not happen to you or someone close to you, you may take this lightly but the reality is there.
“This is not something that only happens to others. When I see pictures of restaurants or parks I tell myself we have a problem. People must realise that even if it is not a danger to them, it can be dangerous to others.”
Spain is currently on lockdown as it has declared itself in a state of alarm after becoming one of the countries most affected by the virus reporting 11,178 cases and 491 deaths.
The lockdown has caused La Liga to be suspended until further notice. It is unclear if the remainder of the season will be played, however, La Liga president Javier Tebas has told local media “we will finish the competition.”
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