Italy based Emmanuel Agyemang Badu opens up on 'frustrating' life in lockdown

Ghana and Hellas Verona midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu says it's been a 'frustrating season' and difficult year for football having to leave through lockdown.

The former FIFA U-20 World Cup winner has had to battle death and injuries to return to football but his comeback coincided with the outbreak of the coronavirus, which has held the world to a standstill.

"It has been a very frustrating season," he told the BBC. "From August to December I didn't do anything. I came back training with the team for 3-4 weeks and started having some very reduced playing time - but then the virus happened," he added.

"I can't do anything about it - I just thank God that I have my life.

"I'm doing very well now - no injuries; life is more precious than football so right now we need to take care of ourselves. Be safe and pray that this thing goes fast, so we can all get back to doing what we love to do.

"The first 18 days I was in isolation because we played against Sampdoria and unfortunately most of their players tested positive so we needed to be isolated.

"After that 18 days, I started going to the small market to get food, but that is the only place you can go.

"From there I just come back home. It's very difficult, but it's not me alone."