CAPE TOWN – Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo is set to join the fight against the coronavirus that has killed almost 6000 people around the world.
According to Spanish newspaper MARCA, the Portuguese superstar will be converting his Pestana CR7 hotels into hospitals to provide care for those who have been infected by the virus.
The report went as far as to suggest that the former Manchester United star will pay doctors and other workers at the hotels from his own pocket.
On Friday, Ronaldo, whose team-mate Daniele Rugani tested positive for the virus, urged the public to follow the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation in combating the virus.
With over 20 000 confirmed cases, Italy is the hardest hit country in Europe, which has prompted all sporting events to be called off.
"I speak to you not as a football player, but as a son, father, a human being concerned with the latest developments that is affecting the world," Ronaldo posted on Twitter on Friday.
"Protecting human life must come above any other interests,” he said.
“I would like to send my thoughts to everyone who has lost someone close to them, my solidarity to those who are fighting the virus, like my teammate Daniele Rugani, and my continued support to the amazing health professionals putting their own lives at risk to help save others," he said.
IOL Sport