He also considered quitting football altogether
Edinson Cavani has revealed he contracted coronavirus and considered retiring from football before joining Manchester United.
The former PSG man tested positive for the virus after returning from a holiday in Ibiza with some of his old teammates, during which Neymar, Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes, Mauro Icardi, Keylor Navas and Marquinhos also contracted COVID-19.
Upon returning from that trip, the 33-year-old did not have a club after his contract at PSG expired during the summer and the club chose not to extend it for their run to the Champions League final.
During his time as a free agent, the strike spent time working on his farmland in Salto, Uruguay, and considered calling time on his playing career.
Trabajando un rato…👍💪⛏ pic.twitter.com/xIULI9hLfL
— Edi Cavani Official (@ECavaniOfficial) June 14, 2020
“It was something we kept to ourselves and I was going to say it at some point,” Cavani told Uruguayan outlet 2 de punta of testing positive for coronavirus.
“There was nothing to be gained by saying it at the time if you were complying with the protocol that had to be followed.
“We spent many days in quarantine, even longer than necessary. There was no need to tell anyone.
“It was after we arrived in Paris from Spain. At first we were negative, but when my girlfriend started to get symptoms we took the test again and we were positive.
“My family’s health comes first. Of course I thought about quitting football. It is true I considered that option and the possibility of stopping playing and dedicating myself to life in the countryside.”
But eventually Cavani signed for Manchester United on a one year deal, with the option to extend his time there for a further year. He was also the subject of interest from Gremio and Benfica, but no deals were agreed.
Cavani also spoke about the anxiety that comes with not having a club.
“There was a lot of uncertainty and anxiety. Days began to pass and I saw my family, friends and everyone wanting to know where I was going to play,” he said.
“Now we’re here, happy with the decision and wanting to put on the shirt.”
We’ll see how long that lasts.
