Coronavirus: Kompany shares support to those in lockdown

Belgian footballer Vincent Kompany has taken to social media to express his support to everyone who has to stay at home due to the new coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

In his video message, in French followed by Dutch, RSC Anderlecht's captain paid particular attention to larger families who currently have to live together in small spaces, saying that he knows this situation well as he was part of a large family living in a small apartment as a child. "A collective effort is necessary. If we don't deliver, it would be a load on the health care providers that would be unbearable."

(? NL volgt FR vanaf 2:39) Un gros soutien à tout le monde à la maison au nom de @vincentkompany ? Warm hart onder de riem voor iedereen thuis namens Vincent Kompany ?#stayhome #RSCAagainstcorona pic.twitter.com/xhnQvyFKxe

— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) March 18, 2020

Translation: (Dutch follows French from 2:39) A big support to everyone at home from Vincent Kompany.

"Keep dreaming, keep planning for the future, you will get through it," the former Manchester City player says. He finishes by saying, "It is what it is, but we can always grow towards each other in difficult times. Stay strong."

In his message, Kompany also calls on young people to use the internet and keep learning. This is not surprising for Kompany, who founded the "socio-sportive" organisation BX Brussels in 2013. Kompany is quoted on the website as saying, "I grew up in Brussels. I am one of them and I know that, with the necessary effort, they are capable of anything. If they get the chance."