The Life of a Footballer During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Coronavirus Pandemic has affected millions of people in many different ways. Most of the world is confined in solitude while the few brave it outside to take care of the sick or deliver necessities to individuals who have sheltered themselves indoor. 

Football has suffered similar affects with seasons at a pause until they are given the green light to resume by government authorities. With talks of infections and potential wage cuts us at Squared Limited, wanted to get a better understanding of how the pandemic has affected the footballer.

We interviewed football player Roger Castellano, to get an idea of his lifestyle during the pandemic and how much it has changed.

What is your typical daily routine like?

"My daily routine started with a 6am training session at The Arena in Colorado Springs. After training, I would trade in my gym shorts for a tie and head to work. Once work was over, I would usually rush home, grab a quick bite and then head off to team training. Post-practice, I would head home, munch on something light before bed and then do it all over the next day." 

What are your usually game day habits?

"My game day habits start a night before. 

I usually wipe down my cleats as a metaphorical clean slate, reminding me that regardless of the previous outcome, win or lose, it's a new game tomorrow. I'll then set up an ice-bath as a way to reset my body and have it ready for game day. While the tub is filling up, I usually have a glass of chocolate milk. After my ice bath, I wrap up and call it a night. 

On game day my only ritual is to tape up my "I Am Second" wristband. This act reminds me that God comes first." 

How you handle doubts and fears of playing professionally?

"I try to remind myself that the vision I have for myself outweighs the doubts and fears I may be facing." 

What is the hardest thing you had to overcome?

"Starting back at square one after knee injuries has been one of the hardest things to overcome. Realizing that you're the only one that can make that progress to get back to where you were. Regardless of how many supporters and doctors you have around you, you're the one that has to make it work." 

How do you manage pressure or distractions on social media?

"Although I understand the importance of social media in today's world, I'm not as active as I maybe should be but I am working on improving that. I do love the possibilities to reach out to other people with similar interests and the opportunity it provides to build those relationships." 

What's your biggest motivation to keep doing what you do?

"I personally feel like my biggest motivator is, deep down, I feel like I have not yet reached my full potential." 

What is the major impact that the Quarantine has affected your lifestyle?

"One of the biggest changes so far, due to the Quarantine, has been the abrupt end to the 2019 - 2020 season. My lifestyle has been put on hold. I have not been able to do what I truly enjoy and that is playing soccer." 

What are your daily habits now during the quarantine process?

"I now wake up later since all training facilities and gyms have been closed. I hang out in my apartment but I still make an effort to train on my own, whether that be at home or on a local pitch. I now tend to end the day checking in with family and loved ones and staying up a little later than normal." 

Has your diet changed at all? 

"Maintaining a diet has been a little more challenging. Because I am no longer as busy, I've had more time to snack." 

What are your future plans after coronavirus?

"As soon as the quarantine is lifted I plan to get back on track with my daily routine. Although this season has been cut short, it does provide me with extended training time to come back even stronger and faster next season."

At the time of the publication of this article the United States, has the most reported cases of people infected with the virus with close to 82,756 cases and climbing.