2024 RT Amination Banner.gif

China Daily

News> Sports> Content
Friday, March 13, 2020, 22:20
Shenhua striker calls on Italy to learn from China on virus fight
By Xinhua
Friday, March 13, 2020, 22:20 By Xinhua

Stephan El Shaarawy of Shanghai Shenhua celebrates after scoring against Shandong Luneng during the Chinese FA Cup final football match in Shanghai on Dec 6, 2019. (STR / AFP)

SHANGHAI - Shanghai Shenhua striker Stephan El Shaarawy has called on his native Italy to draw on China's experience in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Italy can learn from China's experience on fighting against the epidemic," El Shaarawy wrote on his Instagram account.

I am optimistic about the future because I saw the situation in China is improving, and the country's success is mainly due to all citizens taking their own responsibility

Stephan El Shaarawy, Striker, Shanghai Shenhua

In January, when Shenhua was training in south China's Hainan Province, the epidemic began to spread rapidly in Wuhan. First proposed by general manager Zhou Jun and veteran Cao Yunding, Shenhua's players and staff including El Shaarawy made donations.

ALSO READ: Govt issues travel alert on more European countries

As China's domestic epidemic situation has shown a positive trend, the coronavirus is becoming more of a global issue with Italy being one of the worst hit countries. The number of infections in Italy reached 12,839 by Thursday, and death toll exceeded 1,000.

In a photo Shaarawy posted on Instagram, the map of Italy was adapted to a picture of two clasped hands. "I am far away from my motherland now, but I will always keep a close eye on the latest development. Seeing that my country is facing difficulties, I felt heartbroken. I miss my family, friends and other people who are going through frustrating times," he wrote.

The 27-year-old striker then explained the meaning of the picture. "I am optimistic about the future because I saw the situation in China is improving, and the country's success is mainly due to all citizens taking their own responsibility."

READ MORE: Inter Milan donate 300,000 masks to fight virus in Italy

Giovanni Toti, head of the region of Shaarawy's hometown Liguria, called on citizens to stay at home and avoid outdoor activities. Shaarawy knows that was the Chinese method for fighting against the epidemic and proved effective.

"I hope Italian people could do the same. Obeying regulations of epidemic prevention lays the foundation for the final victory. Now Italy needs more unity than ever," he said.

Share this story

CHINA DAILY
HONG KONG NEWS
OPEN
Please click in the upper right corner to open it in your browser !