Atalanta captain Papu Gomez describes the difficulties of training in lockdown, resuming the Serie A season and working on a charity project “involving players all over the world.”
The city of Bergamo has been the hardest hit in Europe by the coronavirus pandemic, so Gomez has been watching it all unfold from his home.
The curve has flattened now in Italy and plans are afoot to restart training from May 4, with games perhaps on May 31.
Atalanta captain Papu Gomez describes the difficulties of training in lockdown, resuming the Serie A season and working on a charity project “involving players all over the world.”
The city of Bergamo has been the hardest hit in Europe by the coronavirus pandemic, so Gomez has been watching it all unfold from his home.
The curve has flattened now in Italy and plans are afoot to restart training from May 4, with games perhaps on May 31.
“It’s going to be really tough to get back on the pitch after two months without even a game between ranks,” said Gomez in a Facebook livestream with SPAL striker – and former Atalanta teammate – Andrea Petagna.
“If we start playing again in June and July, that’s going to be difficult too, because we are not accustomed to that kind of heat. It’s around 30 degrees C in Italy at that time.”
Players have been keeping up a training regime by themselves in their homes during the lockdown, although it has its own dangers.
“An athlete has to look after himself and be careful what he eats, but being locked up at home, the temptation is to go to the fridge every 10 minutes.”
Petagna pointed out he had a similar urge, but in his case it was “to get some beer.”
Papu is known for his charity initiatives, including the Papu Dance single, and revealed he is preparing something for the COVID-19 crisis.
“I have been working on a project with people who work in Barcelona and it’s involving players all over the world. I’ll be able to explain a little more soon.
“I hope that mankind can emerge from this problem more aware, more intelligent and ready to make the world a better place.”