COVID-19 Casualty: Soccer Coach Guardiola Loses 82-Year-Old Mother

Celebrated football coach Pep Guardiola’s mother Dolors Sala Carrio has died in Barcelona after contracting novel coronavirus.

A statement from Manchester City, a leading English Premier League club coached by Guardiola, said: “The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Pep’s mother Dolors Sala Carrió in Manresa, Barcelona, after contracting coronavirus. She was  82 years old. Everyone associated with the club sends most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends.”

Guardiola himself has lent a helping hand in the fight against this global pandemic, having donated 1 million euros (£918,000) to a Barcelona-based charity.

Spain is among the worst-hit countries of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with over 81,000 active cases and 13,000-plus casualties as of now.

Last month, the 49-year-old Guardiola filmed a video in which the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager urged fans to “stay at home”, adding that everyone should follow the advice of scientists, doctors and nurses.