Former Turkey goalkeeper Rustu in hospital with coronavirus

Istanbul, March 29 (IANS) Former Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber, the country’s most capped player, is in a “critical period” in hospital with coronavirus.

“We are still in shock by the sudden and rapidly developing symptoms,” his wife Isil Recber said on Instagram.

Rustu was a star as he helped Turkey reach the 2002 World Cup semi-finals. The ex-Barcelona and Fenerbahce keeper, 46, won 120 caps.

His wife and her two children have tested negative for the virus, as per a BBC report.

Rustu had called time on his career in 2012 after a five-year stint with Besiktas.

“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.

Barcelona wrote on Twitter in Turkish: “Get well Rustu! We love you and we as Barcelona stand with you!”

The death toll from the virus in Turkey has climbed to 108, among 7,402 confirmed cases.

–IANS

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