Watford football club defender, Adrian Mariappa has revealed that he is one of the 6 members of the Premier League that tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. He said it was “quite Scary” for him when he was told that he had the virus because he never felt strange prior to taking the test.
Recall that on Tuesday, the Premier League announced that 748 players and non-playing staff in the Premier League were tested for coronavirus. Out of the said number, 6 of the test returned positive. The league, however, failed to disclose the names of those who had contracted the virus.
Afterwards, Watford issued a statement to disclose that two non-playing staff of the club and one player tested positive for the virus and also failed to disclose the identity of the people, citing medical confidentiality.
However, Adrian Mariappa came out on Wednesday to reveal himself as the player in Watford that tested positive for the virus. He said if he had not been tested, he wouldn’t have known that he has the virus because he is asymptomatic.
“It’s quite scary how you can feel absolutely fine and not really have left the house, and yet still get the virus,” the Jamaica international told Telegraph Sport.
“If it wasn’t for the fact I had gone back to training and had this test, then I’d never have found out that I had the virus and I would just be getting on with things as normal. That’s obviously quite a strange thought.”
Adrian Mariappa has four people to worry about
The 33-year-old veteran defender in the Premier League said he is not worried about himself but about his three children and partner he has been observing the lockdown in the United Kingdom with.
“I live with three of my children, who are five, nine and 11, and my partner and, obviously, now I’m a bit worried about them,” Adrian Mariappa said.
“They are all fine and are not showing any symptoms, but you can’t help but think about it and keep your distance once you know you’ve tested positive.”
Adrian Mariappa rejoined Watford from Crystal Palace in 2016. Since he rejoined the club which he has played for between 2005–2012, the Jamaican footballer has made at least 76 appearances for the Premier League club, scoring no goal.
