Last Tuesday, Atalanta defeated Valencia 4-3 to qualify for the Champions League quarterfinals. However, the excitement from the qualification has been overtaken by the concerns around Covid-19, which has become an international emergency. Atalanta midfielder Martin De Roon shared his thoughts on this difficult decision with a statement on his Twitter page:
"After the game against Valencia we were happy for an hour before going back the situation in Bergamo. ‘Cause it’s really bad. The streets are completely empty. All you hear is the sound of ambulances and the church bells, that ring every for the people who sadly passed away. Better days are coming, Italy is strong, but I want to wish everyone strength these coming weeks."
"So I want to give a little update from my side, since I’m getting a lot of questions. With the team we’re now in quarantine which means we can’t go outside anymore. Three players of Valencia tested positive for COVID-19, and because we played our game against them (and won that’s why we’re in the final 8 of the UCL, I know... not the right time) we’re now in quarantine. I never thought I’d have to deal with a situation like this."
