Arsenal's Mesut Ozil: "Football does not matter right now"

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has claimed that "football does not matter right now" as the sporting world struggles to deal with the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Following the news that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi had tested positive for COVID-19, all elite-level matches in England have been suspended until April at the earliest.

The 31-year-old, who has gone into self-isolation alongside the rest of the Arsenal players and staff, shared a touching message to his followers on social media following the announcement.

Ozil wrote on Twitter: "Football does not matter right now. The health and well-being of everyone is far more important than everything else. Guys, take all the precautions you can - be mindful and considerate of everyone, especially those who are at high risk.

"As we go through this global issue, we should not forget to say thank you to all doctors, nurses and scientists etc worldwide, who are helping to keep this virus from spreading. They are under high pressure in the upcoming weeks & deserve our respect and gratitude."

Arsenal manager Arteta confirmed that he was "feeling better" on Friday following his positive diagnosis.