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Barcelona praised for supporting former star and 'giving life' during coronavirus battle
Barcelona have been praised by former goalkeeper Rustu Recbar.
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Barcelona's former goalkeeper Rustu Recbar has praised his former club for everything they did for him while he was "dying of coronavirus". The former goalkeeper was recently released from hospital after being struck down with the virus, having spent time in intensive care.
Recbar, 46, was diagnosed with the virus last month, and spent time in an intensive care unit after his condition worsened.
His wife and their two children both tested negative, but the former goalkeeper was said to be in a "critical period" of his recovery.
He ended up beating the virus, and has since made a full recovery.
Recbar has since returned home after being given the all-clear, but revealed that he felt he was "dying" at points.
Speaking to Spanish media, he discussed the treatment he was given, while explaining the difficulty of his recovery.
And the former Turkish international also heaped praise on Barcelona for their care and attention they gave him.
Recbar spent three years at Barcelona from 2003 to 2006, playing just seven times.
Despite his lack of game-time for the Catalans, he revealed that club president Josep Bartomeu had contacted him while he was recovering.
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"The treatment process was really difficult and long for me," Recbar said.
"There's a [treatment] for this virus that our Health Ministry has implemented.
"The doctors applied it to me extensively for 10 days and put a lot of effort into it.
"[Barcelona] gave me great support during and after the illness.
"In particular, Carlos Naval and Chemi Teres, who sent me the good wishes of the president and the club.
"At moments like this, the small details should not be forgotten.
"I will not forget everything Barça did for me when I was dying of coronavirus. They gave me life.
"I want them to know that I will always be at their disposition. I want to express my infinite gratitude to everyone, especially Mr. Bartomeu."