Dons stars helped lift Hernandez in lockdown
ABERDEEN right-back Ronald Hernandez has revealed how his team-mates helped get him through lockdown after admitting that being alone — 5,000 miles away from his family in Venezuela — was tough going. The 22-year-old had been set to welcome relatives to the Granite City just as social-distancing restrictions were put in place. Those plans were subsequently shelved and Hernandez, who joined on a four-and-a-half year deal from Norwegian club Stabaek in January, had only himself for company most of the time. However, the 15-times-capped Venezuela international revealed he was still able to see and hear from his Dons colleagues during lockdown, particularly Funso Ojo. ‘I was on my own in Aberdeen,’ he said. ‘It was really hard for me. At that point, my family was supposed to come over here to be with me, but this happened and everything locked down, so there was no way to get them here. ‘I passed the whole time on my own. We’re waiting for the Venezuela government to see when they will open all the international flights and then my family will come here. ‘I try to be at peace with my mind because sometimes it can be tough. I miss my family a lot. ‘Funso is my closest team-mate because we live five minutes from each other and we keep in touch with the other guys. ‘It’s good for me because they help me integrate even faster.’ Hernandez made only his second appearance for the Dons as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Hibs on March 7, just days before football was halted. Having spent so much time on his own, he is delighted to be back training. Speaking to Red TV, he said: ‘I’m happy because it’s better than lockdown. The first two weeks of training was exciting but also tough because we had not been on the pitch for a few months. It’s much better now. ‘After five months, getting to know all the lads, I feel I have more connection with them. ‘This is a big opportunity and a big challenge for me. I want to take it. I want to do my best for the club and the fans. ‘Since I’ve been here, the fans have treated me great. There is a small Venezuelan community in the city, which is good for me.’