Celta Vigo midfielder Levy Malinda has attempted to allay fears he has come into contact with the Ebola virus.
The 22-year-old only returned from international duty with Gabon two days ago after his country’s football federation had ignored urgent pleas from Celta for him to return to Spain, for fear of being contaminated.
“I’m very well and in perfect condition to play,” commented Malinda in an exclusive interview with Marca.
“The medical services at my club are checking my body temperature twice a day, but there is no reason for alarm.
“I’ve not had a fever and I want to say again that I am in perfectly good health.”
Malinda says he felt under a little pressure when the request from Celta was made, while he admitted there was some concern when Gabon had to visit Burkina Faso for an African Nations Cup qualifier.
“There were times when I was under enough pressure as Celta wanted me to come back immediately, but my federation opposed it.
“It’s also true that Burkina Faso is close to the danger zone, although the trip was well organised. Nonetheless, while we were there we were able to go about our business as normal, which is usually the case.
“My family had a hard time, almost worse than me, because they knew there was no reason to worry and that there have been no cases of Ebola in Gabon,” he argued, before saying the only thing he wanted to do now was concentrate on football.
“Since I got back all I’m focusing on is playing for Celta Vigo. I’m going to be back training with the rest of the squad.
“My only aim now is to work hard for the Coach so he can tell me if I’ll be in the team for Friday’s game with Levante.”
