Spanish soccer mentor for Atletico Portada Alta dies from coronavirus at age 21

A 21-year-old youth soccer mentor in Spain died Sunday from coronavirus while additionally doing combating leukemia.

Francisco Garcia was a mentor of the junior group for Atletico Portada Alta in Malaga. Garcia’s leukemia was found after going to the hospital with symptoms of COVID-19, the Independent announced. Garcia was encouraged to look for medical attention after attempting to breathe, the Spanish newspaper Malaga Hoy announced.

“From Atletico Portada Alta we want to express our most profound condolences to the family and friends of our coach Francisco Garcia who has unfortunately left us today,” Atletico Portada Alta said in a statement translated from Spanish to English. “What will we do without you now, Francis? You were always there with us at Portada or wherever we needed you, helping. How are we going to continue to conquer kilometers in the league? We don’t know how but for sure, we will do so for you. We will never forget you.”

LaLiga 2 group Malaga CF presented a tribute on Garcia on Twitter, which translated from Spanish to English stated: “From the club, we want to transmit to @AtlPortadaAlta our deepest condolences for the loss of one of its coaches, Francisco García, as well as sending a warm hug to his family and friends. Together we must stop #COVID-19.”

Spain proclaimed a state of emergency on Saturday. On Thursday, that day Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, and the NHL reported the postponements of their seasons, Spain’s La Liga – the top flight of Spanish soccer – additionally delayed its season.