Espanyol striker Wu Lei has opened up about his recovery from COVID-19 after becoming the first high-profile Chinese footballer to test positive for the disease that has sickened more than half a million people.
It was confirmed that Wu had been diagnosed with the coronavirus on March 18, with the 28-year-old Chinese star being placed in self-isolation in Spain along with his wife.
During an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) on Friday, he provided an update on his recovery, insisting that there is nothing to worry about.
"I feel I'm in good shape and I don't feel any symptoms right now," beamed Wu in a video chat. "I took a test [for coronavirus] on March 16 after having a slight fever a day ago. And 48 hours later, I turned out to be positive. But fortunately, my symptoms were gone at that time."
Wu Lei tells China Central Television that he is recovering well and "don't feel any symptoms right now." /Interview screenshot
Wu also struck an upbeat tone when he touched upon the possible after-effects of the deadly virus.
"I think for those who only experience mild symptoms, just like I do, there is no need to worry. I'm recovering pretty well and feeling a little better every single day," he said.
"I don't think the illness will have any impact on my professional career. No worries!"
The former Chinese Super League Golden Boot winner revealed that his wife also fell victim to COVID-19 but was "well on the road to recovery." He said that they haven't undergone a second test yet because Spain is still grappling with a shortage of coronavirus testing kits.
"Despite having no symptoms at the moment, I think I might still need more time to convalesce so as to return to full fitness. Then I will gradually get back into training," Wu added.
Wu Lei celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Liga match between Sevilla and Espanyol at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, February 16, 2020. /VCG
Meanwhile, Espanyol have announced that they will join Barcelona in applying temporary pay cuts to their players as football clubs around the world struggle with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement released on Friday, Espanyol said that their players "respect" the decision, and are fully aware of "how delicate the situation is." They are prepared to "reach an amicable agreement with the club without having to take more drastic measures."
Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that all members of their staff, including its first-team football and basketball squads, will receive salary reductions while La Liga remains suspended. But the Spanish giants' board and star-studded squad have been unable to reach an agreement on the specifics of the pay cut.
Spain has reported a total of more than 64,000 COVID-19 infections and its deaths climbed past 4,900 on Friday, the world's second-highest after Italy. The country has been in lockdown since March 14 with the period extended by a further 15 days to April 12.