Dalglish tests positive, kids thank well-wishers

London
Kenny Dalglish’s son admitted he was “truly humbled” by the messages of support that poured in from across the football world after the Liverpool legend tested positive for the coronavirus. Dalglish found he had the virus after being admitted to hospital on Wednesday for treatment for a separate infection which required intravenous antibiotics. The 69-year-old Scot’s family said he is not showing symptoms of the disease, but Liverpool fans, current players and old stars were quick to send him their best wishes.

London
West Ham players agree to wage deferrals

West Ham United became the second Premier League club to announce wage deferrals for their players to cope with the financial challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. A day after Southampton said their players would defer part of their salaries, West Ham announced a raft of measures that the club hopes will help retain jobs and pay full salaries to non-playing staff. “I am proud that our entire squad have made clear their strong desire to play our part in helping to support others through this situation,” captain Mark Noble said in a club statement.

Paris
Tour organisers focusing on postponement

Tour de France organisers are focusing on a postponement of this year’s race rather than a cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to an email seen by Reuters on Saturday which was sent to the publishers of the official Tour programme. The Tour’s main publisher said in the email it was “freezing the administrative aspects of our collaboration” ahead of the sport’s most prestigious race which is due to run from June 27-July 19.

London
‘Aubameyang must join more ambitious club’

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should move to a more ambitious club if he wants to win trophies, according to Gabon football association president Pierre Alain Mounguengui. Aubameyang joined Arsenal in 2018 for about 56 million pounds and has since scored 61 goals in all competitions.

New Delhi
Won’t stay home after lockdown ends: Chahal

The coronavirus-forced lockdown is now getting into India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s nerves, so much so that he says he can do with staying away from home for three years once it is lifted. “I will get lock-downed from my home, I will not come back to my home. I can’t take this anymore,” Chahal said in a TV interview. — Agencies