05-07-2020, 06:43 PM
Spanish defender, Fali refuses to return to training as he vows to quit football until a vaccine for Coronavirus is found
Rafael 'Fali' Jiménez Jarque, who plays as a defender for Cádiz CF, has become the first Spanish player to refuse to return to training and will give up his wages amid the Coronavirus crisis.
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The 26-year-old, who made 23 league appearances before league games were canceled also vowed to quit football until a Coronavirus vaccine is found.Â
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While football in Spain is set to restart in June with training sessions to kick off this weekend, Fali said he will not be involved.Â
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'I do not plan to play football and I will not ask for wages because I am a player of principles,' Fali told radio station Cadena Cope.Â
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'I will not charge the club because I do not deserve it. The most important thing is my health and that of my daughters.
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'I will not names any names, but there are other players who are afraid to play too, they have told me.
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'I have a little money saved, if I need to find another job I will do so – but I do not want to expose myself or my family.
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'Footballers look like superheroes but we are just people and right now I am going to wait. Maybe in 10 or 15 days, I will return to training.'
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Last month, Fali, also spoke out about the risk of returning amid the Coronavirus pandemic.Â
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He said: 'We are crazy if we have any intention of playing football because we would be exposing ourselves to a high level of risk.
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'I will not train or play again if there is any risk. If I have to quit football, I will.
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'I want LaLiga and health authorities to at least sign a contract with the players giving us 100 percent assurances that it (playing and training) is safe.'
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Cadiz president Manuel Vizcaino understood his opposition but said he would try to convince Fali to play.
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He said: 'He is wrong, but he does not lie to anyone. He is afraid and we have to work to remove his fear. I think I am going to get Fali back.'
Rafael 'Fali' Jiménez Jarque, who plays as a defender for Cádiz CF, has become the first Spanish player to refuse to return to training and will give up his wages amid the Coronavirus crisis.
Â
The 26-year-old, who made 23 league appearances before league games were canceled also vowed to quit football until a Coronavirus vaccine is found.Â
Â
While football in Spain is set to restart in June with training sessions to kick off this weekend, Fali said he will not be involved.Â
Â
'I do not plan to play football and I will not ask for wages because I am a player of principles,' Fali told radio station Cadena Cope.Â
Â
Â
'I will not charge the club because I do not deserve it. The most important thing is my health and that of my daughters.
Â
'I will not names any names, but there are other players who are afraid to play too, they have told me.
Â
'I have a little money saved, if I need to find another job I will do so – but I do not want to expose myself or my family.
Â
'Footballers look like superheroes but we are just people and right now I am going to wait. Maybe in 10 or 15 days, I will return to training.'
Â
Last month, Fali, also spoke out about the risk of returning amid the Coronavirus pandemic.Â
Â
He said: 'We are crazy if we have any intention of playing football because we would be exposing ourselves to a high level of risk.
Â
'I will not train or play again if there is any risk. If I have to quit football, I will.
Â
'I want LaLiga and health authorities to at least sign a contract with the players giving us 100 percent assurances that it (playing and training) is safe.'
Â
Cadiz president Manuel Vizcaino understood his opposition but said he would try to convince Fali to play.
Â
He said: 'He is wrong, but he does not lie to anyone. He is afraid and we have to work to remove his fear. I think I am going to get Fali back.'