"I don't give a f*** about the nation's morale:" Doncaster born England footballer Danny Rose blasts Premier League return

The 29-year-old Wheatley born soccer star says the return of the game should only be considered when coronavirus cases have "dropped massively".

The Tottenham defender, who has been on loan at Newcastle, has hit out at Boris Johnson’s plans for easing lockdown after the Prime Minister said sporting events could be played behind closed doors from 1 June, which he said would offer a "much-needed boost to the national morale".

The Premier League's plan, dubbed "Project Restart", is to resume games by 12 June at the earliest, and in stadiums with no fans, pending government approval.

Speaking on Lock'Don Live on Instagram, Rose said: "Government is saying 'bring football back' because it is going to boost the nation's morale.

"I don't give a f*** about the nation's morale, bro, people's lives are at risk.

"Football shouldn't even be spoken about coming back until the numbers have dropped massively. It's b******s."

Rose also revealed he believed he was being tested for coronavirus on Friday.

Almost three-quarters of people would not see the return of football as a boost to their morale during the pandemic, according to a YouGov poll.

In a survey of more than 2,000 people, 73% said the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) coming back would not lift their spirits.

The Premier League was suspended on 13 March, with Liverpool sitting 25 points clear at the top, with nine games left to play.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Rose has donated £40,000 to the NHS, including £19,000 to Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

In a video message the footballer, said: “I just want to say a huge thank you for everything you are doing at the moment and the hours you are putting in and more importantly, putting yourself at risk just to treat everybody in these sad and scary times we’re in.

“I just wanted to say on behalf of my colleagues you are the heroes and I think you are not getting the recognition you deserve.”