Didier Agathe has opened up on what life is like on La Reunion island amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

The former Celtic hero has battened down the hatches on the idyllic island where over 100 cases have been confirmed in the last 15 days. 

And after calling a halt to his own youth academy, Agathe admits during unprecedented times like these football has to be placed on the back burner.

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Speaking to The Scottish Sun, he said: “Football is so superficial in these difficult times across the world as we battle this virus. I have been doing a lot of thinking in the last week and I want to send my support to everyone.

“Celtic fans, Rangers fans . . . in these times football does not matter. I am thinking of the people who have lost loved ones. I am thinking about the old person alone in their house.

“We all need to support the doctors and the nurses who are out there fighting this virus. From La Reunion to Scotland, they are trying to save people. I’m praying for them all.

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“I also hope that we use this period to think about the way we live our lives. Everything is too fast and people need to understand that we need to care more for each other.

“The most important thing is to show love — it’s not about money and possessions, it’s about a simple life. I pray every day that as many people as possible survive this horrible virus.

“We need to all stick together, no matter where you come from. I am at home on La Reunion island just now and it is a very worrying time.”

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He added: “We have a population of less than 900,000 people and the cases are rising every day. We now have over 100 people with coronavirus and it’s rising fast, like everywhere.

“We have hospitals across the island but we can’t afford to have over 500 cases as we don’t have the beds. It is a very difficult time for everyone on La Reunion.

“People are wearing masks and we need to be very careful during this epidemic. I’m staying safe. I am at home and that is very important across the world right now.”