Former Manchester City defender, Eliaquim Mangala, and his teammate Ezequiel Garay are among the five Valencia players and staff members who have tested positive for coronavirus in Spain.
The La Liga team has announced that the two defenders are part of the five individuals who have contracted the COVID-19 virus.
Valencia CF released a statement confirming the positive cases: “Valencia CF inform that five positive cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus have been detected amongst first team staff and players. All of these persons are now at home, in good health and obeying self-isolation measures.”
The statement reiterated the club’s support for health authorities and emphasized the importance of following hygiene and illness-prevention measures.
In response to the announcement, Garay, who has been battling injuries this season, shared his reaction on Instagram, stating, ‘Evidently, my 2020 did not start well. I have tested positive for the coronavirus. I feel fine and now all I can do is listen to the health authorities, so I will self-isolate.’
Mangala also confirmed his positive test in a statement: ‘I knew today that I am Coronavirus positive. At the moment, I’m feeling good and I have no symptoms associated with the virus. However, I am confined in my house and have no contact with my family.’
‘I learned that we can carry the virus without having symptoms, that’s why I recommend everyone to follow the confinement measures and avoid contact with other people, as much as possible, even if you feel well. If everyone respects these instructions, together, we will avoid the propagation as much as possible and fight to avoid transmitting it to people who may have aggravating symptoms. Many thanks for your support message. Take care of yourself and your loved ones and respect the confinement instructions to avoid the spreading.’