Adrian Mariappa. Photo via Sky Sports

Watford defender, Adrian Mariappa has confirmed contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Hornets confirmed on Tuesday that one player and two staff members were among six people in England’s top-flight that tested positive for Covid-19.

Mariappa has now revealed that he has contracted the virus but is yet to figure out how he got it after ‘barely leaving the house’ during the lockdown.

He said; ”Ever since I got my positive result back on Tuesday, I’ve been scratching my head to try to work out how I might have got coronavirus.


”It was a big surprise because I haven’t left the house, apart from some exercise and the odd walk with the kids. I’ve mainly just been homeschooling and keeping fit.

‘My lifestyle is very quiet, certainly no parties or going out or anything, so I don’t know how I got it. Like most people, we’ve been having more deliveries of food and things, so maybe that’s one way, and my partner has been to the supermarket a few times.

‘The club doctor called to tell me and, to be honest, I did ask whether it could be 100 per cent accurate or whether my results could have got muddled up. Maybe if I had been displaying any symptoms then it might have made sense.

‘But in my head, it wasn’t adding up.’

‘But I’ve not had any symptoms and I’ve felt as fit as ever, probably fitter because I’ve been working hard. I’ve been following my training programme and I’ve not felt out of breath or ill, or anything.

‘We’ve been fully monitored the whole time and the club have been able to track our distances and things. I’ve been excelling in all of that and feeling great.

‘It’s quite scary how you can feel fine and not really have left the house, and yet still get the virus. If it wasn’t for the fact I had gone back to training and had this test, then I’d never have found out that I had the virus and I would just be getting on with things as normal. That’s quite a strange thought.’

According to reports, Mariappa will now isolate for a week before having a new test.