Coronavirus: Manchester United star Paul Pogba pledges financial help

The Frenchman launched an appeal on his birthday alongside Unicef and has pledged thousands of pounds

Paul Pogba has played just eight times for Manchester Unnited this season due to injury. AFP

Paul Pogba has pledged thousands of pounds after setting up a fundraising page to help Unicef tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

The Manchester United star made the announcement on his social media accounts on his 27th birthday on Sunday.

He said if the fund reaches £27,000 by the end of the day, he will personally double it.

He wrote: "It's my birthday and I'm always grateful that me, my family and friends are healthy. Nonetheless, not everybody is in good health right now.⠀
"The #Coronavirus pandemic is affecting the health and lives of many, including children.The impact of a large-scale outbreak, especially on poor and vulnerable children, can be immense."

He added: "@UNICEF is helping prevent the spread of #Coronavirus by supplying vital medical supplies, consulting with communities and implementing prevention campaigns. It is a priority to stop the spread of this new virus, and the misinformation that's spreading alongside it.

"At times like this we need to come together."

Pogba said that any amount would be welcome "to help fight this war" against Covid-19, and that donations can be made on his Facebook page, or via the link in his Instagram bio.

The funds would be used to provide thousands of pairs of disposable gloves for health workers, surgical masks and vented goggles.

The total number of coronavirus cases worldwide reached 156,730 on Sunday, with almost 75,933 recoveries. The death toll sits at 5,839.

Sport has been decimated with cancellations around the world. The English Premier League has been suspended until April 3.

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