Wolverhampton Wanderers FC player Daniel Podence calls everyone on the responsibility of "converging efforts"

The beginning of Daniel Podence's journey in England has been marked by the suspension of virtually all championships due to the global outbreak of COVID-19.

In a conversation with Liga Portugal, the Portuguese player described the current situation on British soil, underlining the "magnitude of this challenge", which will only be overcome "if we all work together and strictly follow the instructions of the World Health Organization and the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health.”

How is England reacting to this outbreak?

In a way, people in England are still living their lives calmly. People are taking different measures to contain this problem - similar to those in Portugal - and almost every business in the city continues to function without great restrictions. When it comes to football, there is still a great uncertainty between the clubs and the Premier League. In our case, Wolverhampton have already taken all containment measures to ensure our well-being. Until Thursday, we have orders to stay at home while we wait for a decision from UEFA.

What are the main precautions you have been taking during this stage?

Logically, this is a very particular scenario for every player's life, but I continue to do my exercises here at home, making sure that I only leave for essential needs. The club also adopted a preventive attitude, since they were careful enough to provide us with a supply of masks, gloves and thermometers, so that we can have the essential materials to deal with this problem.

How have you been following this whole situation in Portugal, and how can the country turn this situation around?

We only need to look at what is happening to football right now to see that this is an unprecedented situation. In the whole history of football, I do not recall seeing every league getting suspended. It proves the magnitude of this challenge, which I believe it can only be overcome if all people work together and if they strictly follow the instructions of the World Health Organization and the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health. This way, I have no doubts that we will overcome this.

What kind of advice would you like to give to the Portuguese people in the fight against COVID-19?

The best way to stop the spread of this virus is to avoid contact between each other. Having said that, I think that all Portuguese people should avoid going outside, except for essential needs. Of course, this is not an easy thing to do, but these are exceptional circumstances, from which it will only be possible to overcome if everyone has the responsibility of converging all efforts!