RIO DE JANEIRO, April 3 -- Real Madrid's Brazilian midfielder Casemiro said Friday that he is not thinking about winning the Champions League or La Liga titles this season as the world grapples with the coronavirus outbreak.
In a video call with young fans, coordinated by global charity Save The Children, Casemiro said football paled into insignificance compared to the pandemic, which has claimed the lives of more than 59,000 people worldwide.
"Do we want to win the league? We definitely want to win La Liga and we want to win the Champions League," the 28-year-old said.
"But I'm not thinking about winning La Liga, I'm thinking about winning the fight against the coronavirus. I think if everyone does their part, that's the most important thing. It's a tough time for everyone. We need to win the match against the coronavirus."
Real Madrid are currently second in Spain's La Liga standings, two points behind leaders Barcelona with 11 matches remaining in the season.
Zinedine Zidane's men are due to meet Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, having lost the first encounter 2-1 at the Bernabeu.
All major football competitions in Europe have been suspended indefinitely as part of efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
"It's a difficult time for everybody," Casemiro said.
"We have to do our part by staying at home. Everyone has to help out and follow the rules," he added.?
Calls for anti-China protests will worsen island impasse
老外称中国驾照多处翻译错误 性别成雌雄同体
从“坑爹”说起
Tourists may get 3-day visit window
官方发布2158道中餐饭菜英文译名-菇菌类
Li calls for closer ties with Australia
US seeks China's nod for sanctions against DPRK
Hu congratulates Putin
Foreigners receiving more legal support
网络流行语翻译大全:卖萌小清新英文逐个说
Software piracy declined in 2011
Two charged in Chinese students' killing
UK binge drinking 'at crisis levels'
Foreigners face visa scrutiny
Student sentenced for burning classmate
从“啃老族”的英文翻译说起
Deep-sea rig starts drilling
Trade agreement could boost relations
Flame for London Games lit in Greece
Quake in northern Italy kills 6
China to start issuing e-passports to better protect personal data
The big, hot belching of dinosaurs
HK students aim for mainland universities
Fake stewed pig ears pose health risks
Water source in HK, Macao safe
Curtain goes up in Cannes
Hu urges G20 to safeguard fragile recovery
Greeks clean up after riots against austerity vote
Report tracks China's growth
UN report sounds alarm to clean up oceans