21 year Spanish football coach dies from coronavirus

A 21-year-old Spanish football coach has died of coronavirus, after doctors also diagnosed him with leukaemia.

Francisco Garcia, who managed the junior team of Malaga-based club Atletico Portada Alta, was rushed to hospital with severe symptoms of the virus.

But when he arrived doctors also identified the deadly blood cancer. They said he would have survived if he was not suffering from the pre-existing condition.

Spain declared a state of emergency last week as it ramped up efforts to stop the disease spreading. It is the second worst hit European country, having reported more than 8,000 cases and as many as 297 deaths.

Mr Garcia is believed to be the youngest victim of coronavirus, and the fifth person in the Malaga region to die from the disease.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported the death, stating that his leukaemia was not detected until he was taken to hospital with coronavirus symptoms.

'He went to the clinical hospital thinking that he had a bad cold,' a source told the newspaper, 'but they ended up detecting pneumonia'.

'The doctors did tests and more tests and, in addition to confirming that he had a coronavirus, it was learned that he had leukaemia.

'He fought for a few days and finally died this Sunday.'

Mr Garcia's club paid tribute to him yesterday, saying: 'From Atletico Portada Alta we want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and relatives of our coach Francisco Garcia who has left us, unfortunately, today.

'What do we do without you now, Francis? Yes you were always with us or wherever needed, helping.

'How are we going to keep conquering miles in the league? We don't know how, but we'll do it, for you. We will never forget you, rest in peace phenomenon, see you soon.'