Adrian Mariappa has revealed that he was tested positive for coronavirus as the Watford squad prepared to return to first team training this week.
Premier League clubs were given the green light to have their squads take part in group training, so long as all members of the playing and non-playing staff were tested for Covid-19.
It was since confirmed that six players and staff across three different clubs were diagnosed with the coronavirus, of the 748 players and staff tested in total.
The Watford defender has since revealed that he was the player at the club to test positive, stating his surprise having been asymptomatic and not breaching any guidelines on lockdown measures.
“Ever since I got my positive result back on Tuesday, I’ve been scratching my head to try to work out how I might have got coronavirus,” the defender tole the Telegraph. “It was a big surprise because I haven’t really left the house, apart from some exercise and the odd walk with the kids. I’ve mainly just been homeschooling and keeping fit.
“My lifestyle is very quiet, certainly no parties or going out or anything, so I really don’t know how I got it. Like most people, we’ve been having more deliveries of food and things, so maybe that’s one way, and my partner has been to the supermarket a few times.”
The Hornets' view on the Premier League's 'Project Restart' has been widely discussed, as they have been some of the most outspoken against decision to resume football in June. Troy Deeney has already insisted he will not be returning to training for fear of his family's safety, while manager Nigel Pearson also expressed concerns over the death toll of Covid-19.
Mariappa, along with the two other club members who tested positive, will now self-isolate for seven days before they are tested again, as per Premier League guidelines.
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Source : 90min