Cristiano Ronaldo is remaining in quarantine in Portugal, rather than return to Italy, after Juventus teammate Daniele Rugani tested positive for Coronavirus.
On Wednesday night it was revealed that Juve defender Rugani had tested positive for the virus, just days after Italy decided to suspend all football in the wake of its spread.
Ronaldo flew home to Portugal following Juve’s win in Serie A against rivals Inter on Sunday to visit his mother, who recently suffered a stroke, and Wednesday’s news means he will be staying in Madeira.
Juventus released a statement on Wednesday saying, “The footballer, Daniele Rugani has tested positive for Coronavirus-COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic.
“Juventus Football Club is currently activating all the isolation procedures required by law, including those who have had contact with him.”
Rugani was an unused substitute in the Old Lady’s 2-0 win in the Derby d’Italia but was pictured celebrating in the dressing room with his teammates after the match.
Players from both teams who came into contact with the Italian centre back are now having to self isolate themselves and it could lead to the postponement of the club’s Champions League game next week.
Despite sporting events in the country being canceled the Italian champions were still expecting to face Lyon in the second leg of their last 16 game behind closed doors.
That seems unlikely to be possible with most of the Juve squad likely to be unavailable for the game.
Italy has been the worst hit country by Coronavirus in Europe with a death toll of 827. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has called for all shops other than food shops and pharmacies to close down.
Initially Serie A was played behind closed doors before the issue grew and the league, along with other sports, was suspended.
There is a very real threat that the league could not finish this season, which is obviously far down on the list of worries.
sportbible.com
sportbible.com
