NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis says he is a changed man after being given the all-clear from coronavirus.
The Greek tycoon, who also owns Wolves’ Europa League opponents Olympiakos, predicts the UK will emerge as a stronger nation once the global pandemic is over and the virus is beaten.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been given the all-clear from coronavirusCredit: Reuters
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Marinakis tested positive for Covid-19 on March 10, four days after he had been at the City Ground to watch Forest play Millwall in the Championship.
He also attended Arsenal’s Europa League tie with Olympiakos at the Emirates, shortly before Mikel Arteta was diagnosed with coronavirus.
However, Marinakis, 52, issued a statement yesterday to confirm he has now fully recovered from the virus and described the medics who treated him as ‘heroes.’
As the UK entered a full-lockdown, the Forest owner sent a message of hope and encouragement to those in fear, and said: “After two weeks in full compliance with my doctors’ instructions, I underwent my second medical test, as suggested by the relevant protocol, which turned out negative.
“I need to extend my thanks to the Greek National Health system doctors for their care and advice: those heroes dressed in green and white coats who cater 24/7 for their fellow people.
It is worth staying at home to protect ourselves and our relatives. By staying at home, we shield ourselves and deny the virus
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis
“I also feel the obligation, in these critical times, to address a message inspired by experiencing this brief adventure of mine.
“It is worth staying at home to protect ourselves and our relatives. By staying at home, we shield ourselves and deny the virus intruding in our lives.
“By staying at home, we defend our community, the many, public health and contain the virus spread.
“So there is no room for being careless or selfish. It is required to stay disciplined and fully in line with the Government and scientists.”
Marinakis says the time he spent in isolation has made him a more thoughtful individual.
He said: “I stayed at home, I communicated with many of my friends and relatives, I read a lot, I watched TV for many hours, I listened to music and spent numerous hours surfing on the web.
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“All these helped me realise what is going on in the rest of the world and see once again how fragile our planet is.
“All this brought again to my mind the words of the great Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis who once said: “No stone, steel or iron can endure; man can”.
“Let us be disciplined and rest assure we shall endure. We shall be stronger individually and the UK will be stronger as a country. It’s solely up to us to remain healthy. May we all stay well, healthy and strong.”
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confirms he has coronavirus
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
