'It's been very hard' - Doncaster Rovers' Madger Gomes talks being far from home during the pandemic

For some, like Doncaster Rovers’ Spanish midfielder Madger Gomes, the depth of worry was even greater - and continues to be so.

While he dealt with football abruptly halting in March, the 23-year-old was left listening to news reports of a worsening situation in his homeland, which found itself as a coronavirus hotspot.

By late March, Spain had the highest death toll in the world from the virus.

And Gomes admits it was a worrying time to be so far away from his family.

“I think it’s been hard for everyone, not just me,” he told the Free Press.

“But the situation for me has been very hard because my family is in Spain.

“The most important thing has been that they feel healthy. They have not had the situation with the corona. Everyone has felt good.

“It was difficult for everyone from another situation. It was hard with Spain because there was many, many corona.

“We tried to pray that everyone will feel better.

“Hopefully the future can be better.”

The easing of lockdown, relaxing of travel restrictions and confirmation of the end of the League One season allowed Gomes to return to Alicante, where he grew up as a Villarreal supporter, idolising fellow midfielders Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla.

It was important for Gomes to reunite with his family, who have been incredibly supportive during a football career which first brought him to England in 2014.

“I went to Spain for a month and I have a very nice time with them,” he said. “Then I have the quarantine for two weeks.

“It is hard because I want to stay with my family, but this is my dream, I just want to play football.

“Wherever I stay, they will support me.

“I am very close with my family and they always come to see me.

“My dad lives in France, and every time he can come to see me he does.

“My mum calls me on Facetime every day.

“They have been so good to me.”

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