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Coronavirus: Sporting president Varandas to work as doctor during crisis

Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has announced he will offer his services as a doctor during the coronavirus crisis.

Varandas, 40, studied medicine in Lisbon and is a specialist in sports medicine, as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).

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"For the generations of our parents and grandparents but also for this generation that cannot grow up in a country suffocated in another serious economic crisis," the Sporting preisdent said via Instagram. "For all of them, for Portugal ... come on! Each in its own way.

"Some taking care of the sick, others making bread, others informing the Portuguese people, others working on their services to keep the economy and the country up.

"I served my country, today I will return to do so as long as the state of emergency continues...and I will return to do so always as long as Portugal needs it. Let's do it, let's do it with everything!!"

Varandas, who has served as the club's president since 2018, previously graduated in military medicine and is a decorated army captain.

Portugal declared a state of emergency on Wednesday and have had three confirmed deaths and 785 confirmed coronavirus cases.

Italy, now the worst affected country from the coronavirus pandemic, is in need of more health workers.

Italy's federation of sports medicine (FMSI) has urged in a statement for its 4000 doctors to give their services to their country and offer "voluntary services to the health services in their region or those that are worst hit in this coronavirus emergency."