Juventus Star Blaise Matuidi Reveals Coronavirus Made Him ‘Psychotic’

Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi has claimed his coronavirus diagnosis made him ‘psychotic’.

The French international became one of three Old Lady stars to test positive for Covid-19, with Daniele Rugani first contracting the virus on March 11, and teammate Paulo Dybala also revealing he had the deadly disease 11 days later.

Matuidi, who has now fully recovered, opened up on what it was like when he first heard the news he had coronavirus, saying it left him in ‘shock, total panic’.

“Honestly, it’s tough,” the World Cup winner told YouTube channel Bros Stories.

“When I tested positive, I couldn’t even go out shopping. It made me psychotic.

“You always try to make sure people aren’t too close, you have to be mentally strong. It’ll take time, this is a new situation for all of us.”

Matuidi confesses he was worried for his loved ones as well as his health.

He added: “I had no symptoms but, as soon as I heard the news, I was in shock. I was in total panic, I feared for my family and friends.

“It was difficult for them, but I was able to reassure them. It’s not a good time, we want this to end as soon as possible.

“I ask myself what will happen to football and everyday life.”

The 33-year-old is back to his best and recently posted a video on Instagram showing himself and the rest of his family in high spirits. All trained together in their garden whilst in lockdown at their home in Turin.

Matuidi, who recently signed a new deal to remain at the club until June 2021, continues to be a key member of Maurizio Sarri’s squad at the Allianz Stadium. Before the suspension of Serie A, he had made 31 appearances in all competitions, netting on one occasion.

The Italan top-flight was suspended on March 9 following the outbreak, and Italy soon became one of the most affected countries with over 28,000 deaths thus far. 

Since then, the fatality rate has declined, but it remaims a long way off before the domestic league resumes, with the country in ‘shock’ and also ‘traumatised’ following the outbreak. 

Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte has declared that athletes can train outdoors as long as this is individually, with this set to start from tomorrow (May 4). The situation will then be reassessed with the likleyhood being the players can start working together once again, 14 days later.

The Old Lady remain at the top of Serie A one point ahead of Lazio, and everybody connected with the club including players, are keen for the season to finish.