WATFORD star Adrian Mariappa has tested positive for coronavirus during the first wave of Premier League testing.
The 33-year-old was shocked to learn that he had contracted the virus, as he was asymptomatic and had made sure to follow all guidelines.
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The 33-year-old was shocked at his diagnosisCredit: Getty – Contributor
But along with two Watford non-playing staff members, and Burnley assistant manager Ian Woan, Mariappa was found to be carrying the virus.
The shocked defender told the Telegraph: “Ever since I got my positive result back on Tuesday, I’ve been scratching my head to try to work out how I might have got coronavirus.
“It was a big surprise because I haven’t really left the house, apart from some exercise and the odd walk with the kids. I’ve mainly just been homeschooling and keeping fit.
“My lifestyle is very quiet, certainly no parties or going out or anything, so I really don’t know how I got it.
“Like most people, we’ve been having more deliveries of food and things, so maybe that’s one way, and my partner has been to the supermarket a few times.”
Mariappa has no idea as to how he contracted the virusCredit: Rex Features
The Vicarage Road stalwart had been gearing up for a return to training.
But he will now have to isolate for at least seven days – before being tested again and possibly cleared to return to action.
Shocked Mariappa wondered if there had been a mistake.
He continued: “The club doctor called to tell me and, to be honest, I did ask whether it could be 100 per cent accurate or whether my results could have got muddled up.
“Maybe if I had been displaying any symptoms then it might have made sense. But in my head it wasn’t adding up.
“But I’ve not had any symptoms and I’ve felt as fit as ever, probably fitter because I’ve been working really hard. I’ve been following my training programme and I’ve not felt out of breath or ill, or anything.
It’s quite scary how you can feel absolutely fine and not really have left the house, and yet still get the virus.
Adrian Mariappa
“We’ve been fully monitored the whole time and the club have been able to track our distances and things. I’ve been really excelling in all of that and feeling great.
“It’s quite scary how you can feel absolutely fine and not really have left the house, and yet still get the virus.
“If it wasn’t for the fact I had gone back to training and had this test, then I’d never have found out that I had the virus and I would just be getting on with things as normal. That’s obviously quite a strange thought.”
Mariappa’s fears have now understandably turned to his family, as he understandably worries for their health.
He admitted: “I live with three of my children, who are five, nine and 11, and my partner and, obviously, now I’m a bit worried about them.
“They are all fine and are not showing any symptoms, but you can’t help but think about it and keep your distance once you know you’ve tested positive. We’ll have to see whether I can get them tested.”
After the news of the six positive tests in the first wave of Premier League testing, Watford skipper Troy Deeney has revealed that he is reluctant to return to training.
The bustling striker fears for the safety of his young son, who has breathing problems, and believes NHS staff should be getting priority with regards to frequent testing.
He admitted to Good Morning Britain: “My son has breathing difficulties, so it’s a tough one for me.”
He then raised the moral issue of returning: “We see a lot about care workers and key workers not getting tested and people dying in nursing homes, and things of that nature.
Watford captain Troy Deeney has raised the moral issue of the Premier League’s mooted returnCredit: Rex Features
“Yet we’re expected to have just short of 3,500 tests per month as football players and PPE for all the staff.
“How long will it be until that’s the players’ fault?
“Look at these prima donna footballers that are getting all this preferential treatment when there’s people dying on the street.”
Watford footballer ace Troy Deeney slams Premier League return as son has breathing problems
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
