Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who himself was making a comeback to club football, has shown support for fellow Frenchman Blaise Matuidi as his fellow countryman tested positive for coronavirus.
Matuidi was confirmed on Tuesday as the second Juve player to have Covid-19, along with Italian defender Daniele Rugani, who had previously tested positive earlier this month. Rugani’s test led to the self-isolation of entire Juventus squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.
Matuidi also went in to self-isolation initially as a precautionary measure, but the 32-year-old appears to have contracted the virus before going in to lockdown.
The France international is said to be recovering well at home, but Pogba remained keen to send a message to his fellow 2018 World Cup winner.
In a video uploaded to Instagram on Wednesday, Paul Pogba was seen training at home wearing a Juventus shirt with Blaise Matuidi’s name and number on the back.
The Frenchman later explained that he and Victor Lindelof – who was spotted wearing Albin Ekdal’s Sampdoria jersey – were supporting their respective countryman after they tested positive for coronavirus in Italy.
New training camp is called… Quarantine PP Arena, open 24/7! Pogba wrote on Instagram. Having fun working at home with my brother @victorlindelof.
Supporting our friends @blaisematuidiofficiel and @albinekdal and all athletes and people around the world! Be strong, #StayAtHome and be safe! “(I know the cheeky ones will talk about the Juventus jersey [but] I’m just supporting my friends … that’s all, nothing more).
Paul Pogba on Instagram
Matuidi also replied to Pogba’s post.
Thank you my brother this touched me love u. And glad to see you touch the ball.
Blaise Matuidi
Pogba has not played for United since December 26 having undergone surgery on a right ankle injury in January.
He was due to return to team training on Tuesday but United cancelled their session after the United Kingdom government urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and social contact.
