Aston Villa goalkeeper Pepe Reina self-isolating after showing coronavirus symptoms

Former Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, who currently plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League, believes he has contracted coronavirus after displaying symptoms of the deadly disease.

The 37-year-old Spaniard is currently self-isolating at home like other players but he disclosed that he ‘went through the bug’ last week. Although he has not been officially diagnosed with the illness.

Speaking in a recent interview with radio station Cope, he said: ‘Last week it was my turn to go through the bug,’ he told radio station Cope. ‘It has been a different week, of taking precautions not to infect the people who live with me.

‘Here tests are not conducted unless you are [in a] very bad [state]. Speaking to the doctors, the symptoms I had were of it, without official confirmation of it but everything pointed to it.

‘We are very privileged people. We have a big house, with a garden. I think of the people who live in a 70m squared apartment with two children and for me they are people who are showing a lot of strength.’

Reina also said he is not concerned about when football returns because health must come first.

‘Football takes a back seat. I don’t care much, really. Everyone’s wellbeing goes above anything else.

‘I don’t know if we will play again this season. We have to be careful when talking about dates or deadlines. I understand that there are economic interests and a lot at stake, but as in any other sector.

‘There’s no point in playing without fans [in the stadium]. People have to enjoy it. We feel more fulfilled with fans. Beyond that, whatever is healthier and safer will be done.’