Francisco Garcia, a Spanish soccer coach for Atletico Portada Alta’s youth team, died on Sunday, 15 March, after contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The 21-year-old Malaga-based club manager tested positive for COVID-19 last week – and while in hospital receiving treatment – doctors discovered that he was also unknowingly suffering from leukaemia.

This pre-existing condition made him more vulnerable to the virus and increased his risk level. Infectious disease experts believe that if the Spaniard had not been suffering from leukaemia, he would have likely survived.

Atletico Portada Alta released a statement, which read: “We want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and close friends of our coach Francisco Garcia who has left us, unfortunately.”

The club added: “Now what do we do without you, Francis? How are we going to continue conquering … in the league? We don’t know how, but we will surely do it for you. We will not forget you, rest in peace, phenomenon. Until forever.”

Atletico Portada Alta’s president, Pep Bueno, also paid tribute to Garcia, and expressed shock and disbelief.

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