CADIZ defender Fali has revealed that he will not return to action until a vaccine is found for the coronavirus.
The 26-year-old becomes the first footballer in Spain to refuse to return to training, and will willingly surrender his wage until he feels it is safe to play again.
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Fali (right) may not return to actionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Fali is a key man at second-tier Cadiz, having made 24 appearances this season prior to the Covid-19-enforced lockdown.
The former Barcelona B man wants to protect his family, and has even vowed to find another job if he does not deem it safe to play football again.
He told Cadena Cope: “I do not plan to play football and I will not ask for wages because I am a player of principles.
“I will not charge the club because I do not deserve it. The most important thing is my health and that of my daughters.
I have a little money saved, if I need to find another job I will do so – but I do not want to expose myself or my family.
Cadiz star Fali
“I will not names any names, but there are other players who are afraid to play too, they have told me.
“I have a little money saved, if I need to find another job I will do so – but I do not want to expose myself or my family.
“Footballers look like superheroes but we are just people and right now I am going to wait. Maybe in 10 or 15 days, I will return to training.”
Spain has been badly hit by Covid-19, having been struck by over 220,000 cases and 25,857 fatalities.
But having been in a state of emergency since March 13, the Iberian country’s strict lockdown has started to be eased amid a gradual fall in new cases.
LaLiga bosses have already been forced to back away from initial plans for a return to action at some point this month.
And while players were given the green light to return to some form of training from Monday, that does not mean a restart is in sight.
Like most countries, even if LaLiga can resume, it will be behind closed doors.
Meanwhile in the Netherlands, fans will not be allowed to attend games until a vaccine is found for the virus.
Dutch health minister Hugo de Jonge wrote: “We cannot yet mention a date for the last step, the mass gatherings.
“That is actually only possible if there is a vaccine and no one knows how long it will take. We hope of course soon, but a year or more is very real.”
You can take part in professional football training while self-isolating as LaLiga side Leganes live stream workout
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
