How have football stars such as Paulo Dybala, Mikel Arteta and Paolo Maldini been affected by the virus?
The coronavirus pandemic has swept the world and a number of footballers have been confirmed as having contracted it, forcing leagues everywhere to a standstill.
As well-paid athletes, elite-level footballers are ostensibly in a much better position to fight off the virus, but some have reported feeling serious pain and being scared.
There are a few commonly reported symptoms, but those who are asymptomatic can also be carriers and unknowingly spread it.
Some of the main symptoms include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
- Loss of smell & taste
- Aches & pains
- Sore throat
Goal takes a look at some of the symptoms and experiences reported by footballers who contracted the coronavirus.
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Mikel Arteta | Arsenal
Symptoms: temperature, dry cough, chest pain
Arteta explained: "In terms of symptoms, it was a normal virus for me. I had three or four days which were a little bit difficult, with a bit of a temperature and a dry cough, and some discomfort in my chest. That was it."
'That's when the fear comes' – Arteta details coronavirus experience
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- Getty Images
Callum Hudson-Odoi | Chelsea
Symptoms: "similar to a mild cold"
Chelsea and England star Hudson-Odoi recovered from the virus after spending a week-long period in self-isolation. The winger reported symptoms "similar to a mild cold".
Hudson-Odoi reveals he has recovered from coronavirus symptoms
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Daniele Rugani | Juventus
Symptoms: mild fever
Rugani tested positive for the virus, but was ostensibly asymptomatic. In a message posted on his Twitter page, he said: "You will have read the news and that's why I want to reassure all those who are worrying about me, I'm fine."
His girlfriend Michela Persico told: "Daniele recorded three mild fever lines, he was at a temperature of 37.5.
"He asked to be checked and, the next day, the test was positive, but he already had no fever, nor did he have or had a cough or something else. So we didn't expect it. We don't have a clue how the infection happened."
Juventus defender Rugani tests positive for coronavirus
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Luca Kilian | Paderborn
Symptoms: sore throat, fever, headache
"On March 12 I had the first of my hot flushes and a day later they were really strong. Fever and strong shivers. It was then I started being really scared for the first time," Kilian told .
The player added: "It took four days for the fever to drop, and after that I felt better every day.
"I'm a sportsman and in form, but I had to fight a lot against the virus. For the people who already have health issues, it could put their life in danger."
