WE DON’T THINK IT’S SAFE TO RETURN YET
Willian joins growing list of fearful stars over the risks of Covid-19
WE NEED SAFEGUARDS Chelsea midfielder Willian is unsure if he wants to return right now with Covid-19
PROJECT RESTART has been plunged into further chaos with Chelsea midfielder Willian claiming many Premier League players are terrified of being infected by coronavirus.
The Brazilian is the latest star to reveal that there is widespread fear about teams being forced back on to the pitch before Covid-19 has been brought under control.
Willian said: “Honestly, from what I can see, a lot of players – the majority – are uncomfortable with the idea of returning right now. We
are really keen to return, we really miss playing and doing what we love.
“But it needs to be safe for us to do so, that’s how we’re looking at it. Our health has to come first.
“So, right now players don’t feel comfortable with the idea of returning until it’s totally safe to do so.”
Plans to resume the season will be ramped up this week – with more clubs returning to training – in a bid to save the world’s richest league from a £1.3billion meltdown.
But with clubs set to give stars the chance to opt out of going back, there is an increasing likelihood that the campaign may have to be cancelled.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was the first to voice his concern about how football could return while hundreds of lives are still being lost to the pandemic in the UK.
Watford captain Troy Deeney has echoed the Argentine’s sentiments, while Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has spoken of his fear of passing it on to his asthmatic father.
Willian said: “Our squad has spoken a lot over the internet. Lampard has sent us information about what the Premier League wants to do.
“My family stayed in Brazil because I felt it was better for my wife and daughters to stay there.”
He added: “When we started the quarantine, that’s when we started training at home. Every day at 2pm, we head online to train!”