Former Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber in ‘critical period’ in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus as wife speaks of ‘shock of sudden and rapidly developing symptoms’
- Recber, 46, was admitted to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus
- Ex-Turkey goalkeeper’s wife said he is in a ‘critical period’ of treatment
- She described her ‘shock’ at the speed with which symptoms took hold
- Recber played 120 times for Turkey as well as Fenerbahce and Besiktas
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Former Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber is in a ‘critical period’ in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
The former Barcelona, Fenerbahce and Besiktas stopper, who is Turkey’s all-time record appearance maker, was rushed in for treatment this weekend.
His wife Isil wrote on Instagram: ‘We have taken my husband Rustu to hospital with a COVID-19 diagnosis. While everything was normal, we are still in shock by the sudden and rapidly developing symptoms.
Former Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber is in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus
The 46-year-old was rushed in to hospital after suddenly developing symptoms this weekend
‘These are critical and difficult times. My only request is for people to have a conscience and be respectful.
‘My test was negative along with my son and my daughter. He’s in hospital and we are not allowed to see him.
‘That’s the most difficult part, not being able to be with him. God is great and he’s entrusted to Turkish doctors. These days will pass too. Please do not spare your prayers.’
Rustu, 46, played 120 times for Turkey and shone as they reached the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Rustu played for Fenerbahce, Besiktas and briefly for Barcelona during a distinguished career
Recber tussles with Ronaldinho and Adriano during a 2003 Confederations Cup match
He played 371 times for Fenerbahce in two spells either side of a short stint at Barcelona, before finishing his career with a further five seasons and 124 matches at Besiktas before retiring in 2012.
‘We convey our wishes for a speedy recovery to our former national team goalkeeper Rustu Recber who sported our jersey for many years; we wish for him to regain his health as soon as possible and hope to receive good news from him,’ Fenerbahce said on Twitter.
‘Get well Rustu! We love you and we as Barcelona stand with you!’ Barcelona wrote on Twitter in Turkish.
Turkey’s death toll from the pandemic increased by 16 to 108 on Saturday, while the number of confirmed cases rose by 1,704 to 7,402.
