Blaise Matuidi has revealed the mental struggle he went through after he was quarantined with coronavirus.
The Juventus midfielder was diagnosed with Covid-19 in March and was placed into isolation. Matuidi may have been asymptomatic, but the news that he had tested positive gave him a fright, while he had a hard time being stuck indoors for two weeks.
"We're in good health. As you know I unfortunately got coronavirus. Honestly, I was panicking. Total Panic," he told former Juventus team-mate Medhi Benatia in a chat on the Bros. Stories YouTube channel.
"When they came to me and said: 'You're positive', I was speechless. I was mad at the doctor, I said: 'Is he joking? Why would he tell me such a thing?' I couldn't feel anything!
"It was tough for my mum because she was far away. You see the parents, but I knew how to reassure them. Some people are not that lucky.
"It's complicated. It's a delicate time for us. We hope that health comes first. I just hope the coronavirus fades. It's not an easy moment because you're afraid for your family. I'll tell you the truth. It's hard. It's really hard. 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.
"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 really want this to end as soon as possible. I ask myself what will happen to football and everyday life. It's something very unique. We have to live it. I'm asking myself questions. What will happen with football? In our everyday life? It's not easy!"
The 33-year-old was one of three Juve players to contract the disease, with attacker Paulo Dybala and defender Daniele Rugani also testing positive in March.