As the coronavirus pandemic necessitates more solidarity in politics, economics, and life in general, it also makes it quite clear where our priorities should lie in times of need — and, in fact, at all times. Over power and profit, there needs to be better focus on the well-being of not just ourselves but all those around us, since there cannot be a homo economicus, the ideal rational human, with actual human beings in the first place.
And the same goes for football, even in cases of expiring contracts, even if it flies in the face of our usual line of thinking. While there are plenty of legal and contractual issues that will need sorting out in the near and long-term future, they should not be the forefront at the minute.
Some, like Chelsea winger Pedro are leading by example in that regard. The veteran winger, who has three months left on his contract, is only thinking and worrying about the outbreak.
“My contract ends soon but right now this is not the most important thing.
“I haven’t even stopped to think about this. The most important thing is for everyone to show solidarity.
“Whatever happens regarding my future will happen but right now is not important as we don’t even know when we will return to training. We have been in quarantine because [Callum Hudson-Odoi] tested positive for coronavirus, he is now well and we are very happy for him.”
Self-isolated in England like most of his teammates and not a medical professional anyway, Pedro cannot do much personally for his people back home in Spain. But he’s helping where he can, financing the delivery of 3000 protective screens for hospitals where they’re in short supply but great need.
While his help is certainly welcome, it pales in comparison to the efforts of health professionals who literally put their lives on the line to save the sick and the most vulnerable. For that, Pedro, and all of us, give thanks.
“The materials are scarce and everything that can be helped is welcome. The hospitals told us that they are a good resource for them, and we wanted to contribute our grain of sand with these protective screens. I am very sorry for everything that is happening and the news that comes to us from Spain.
“From here I once again thank all the health personnel, the state security forces, the people who are in the supermarkets day-by-day, thank you to everyone for the work you are doing. Hopefully, we can stop this virus.”
-Pedro; source: Cadena SER via Goal
So say we all.