Arsenal s Arteta: Morally strange to be playing amid COVID-19 pandemic
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said it is morally strange for elite football in England to continue playing amid the COVID-19 pandemic but added that the sport is helping to raise the nation s spirits.
Scenes of dressing room celebrations during the FA Cup third-round weekend combined with recent high-profile player breaches of government guidelines including Tottenham Hotspur trio Sergio Reguilon, Giovani Lo Celso and Erik Lamelaattending a Christmas party together have raised concerns over whether football is still setting the right example.
The United Kingdom is currently in lockdown with the country passing 80,000 deaths from coronavirus over the weekend with 54,940 new cases reported on Sunday.
The Argentine had waited eight years for his opportunity to shine in north London, and he grasped it with both hands, helping the Gunners finish their Premier League campaign strongly and secure a record-extending 14th FA Cup.
Martinez made a strong case to replace Leno, but Arsenal ultimately decided to stick with the Germany international upon his return to full fitness, and Aston Villa wasted no time in swooping for a man who had proven he could deliver at the highest level.
Villa snapped Martinez up for £17 million (£23m) in September, leaving the Gunners short on senior backup goalkeeping options, but the club took steps to rectify the situation as swiftly as possible.