Mesut Ozil has become the first Arsenal player to speak out after the Premier League was suspended until April 4.
An emergency club meeting was called by the league late on Thursday night (March 12) following the confirmation that Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus.
Then on Friday morning it was confirmed that there will be no professional football played in England until the beginning of April at the earliest.
Arsenal were due to face Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but that fixture along with the FA Cup quarter-final tie against Sheffield United have been postponed.
There had been no public reaction from the Arsenal players following news of the Premier League being suspended as well as Arteta testing positive for coronavirus.
Until now.
Ozil has broken the squad's silence with a classy message on social media.
"Football does not matter right now," Ozil wrote on Twitter. "The health and wellbeing of everyone is far more important than everything else.
"Guys, take all the precautions you can - be mindful and considerate of everyone, especially those who are at high risk.
"As we go through this global issue, we should not forget to say thank you to all doctors, nurses and scientists etc worldwide, who are helping to keep this virus from spreading.
"They are under high pressure in the upcoming weeks & deserve our respect and gratitude."
Arsenal's Managing director Vinai Venkatesham and Head of Football Raul Sanllehi have both stated that the main priority is Arteta's health.
Venkatesham said: "The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is. Our thoughts are with Mikel who is disappointed but in good spirits.
"We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows."
Sanllehi added: "Mikel and the full first-team squad, players and staff, will be fully supported, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows.
"Obviously Mikel’s full recovery is the priority now for us all."
