A FORMER Bayern Munich star has revealed that playing in Australia is like “smoking 50 cigarettes a day” as wildfires ravage the country.
Sydney FC midfielder Alexander Baumjohann, 32, spoke with Spanish publication Marca about the fires destroying all in their path.
Baumjohann says playing in Australia now amid the smoke from the wildfires is like smoking 50 cigarettes a dayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Baumjohann said the huge blazes are “very strong and close” to where some of the teams in the Australian top flight’s grounds.
But it was when describing the air – which has been shown turning red in astonishing photos – that the real scale of the inferno is felt.
He said: “I think breathing this air for a day is like smoking 50 cigarettes.
“It is difficult to play in this situation. We played at 38 degrees Celsius on Saturday and the quality of the air was very bad but we had to carry on and accept the situation.
“The smoke is something incredible. It is hard to describe if you have never seen it.”
Residents look on as flames burn through bushCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Fires continue to burn and wreak havoc across AustraliaCredit: New York Times
It is thought that since August last year more than a billion animals have been killed in the devastating blazes.
Baumjohann added: “I think humans can leave their house and be safe, but when it comes to nature and the animals, you have 500 million affected animals and it is extremely sad.
“I think about 40 percent of all koalas are dead. It is very difficult for some animals. We are praying that everything improves and hope that we will get a lot of help.”
When asked if he thought the situation would improve in the coming days, the German said: “No, no. I think the next months are going to continue in the same way.
“Summer is just starting here so I think this is going to happen for a while longer but we are hoping and praying that it rains a bit more to help improve the situation.”
Baumjohann arrived in Australia last season after he was signed by Western Sydney Wanderers before being signed by Sydney FC in July 2019.
They are top of the league with 31 points, nine ahead of second-placed Melbourne City FC.
It is believed 25 people have died in the fires and almost 18 million acres of land have been burned.
Chris Hemsworth pledges $1million to fight against Australian bushfire crisis
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
