Paul Pogba Launches Birthday Fundraiser to Assist People Affected by Coronavirus

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba used his 27th birthday on Sunday to launch a fundraising campaign for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Per the Mirror's David McDonnell, Pogba wants to raise £27,000 for UNICEF, and he pledged to double the sum if that amount is reached.

The money will be used to provide disposable gloves, surgical masks and vented goggles for health workers.

Pogba explained the campaign in an Instagram post:

"It's my birthday and I'm always grateful that me, my family and friends are healthy. Nonetheless, not everybody is in good health right now. The coronavirus pandemic is affecting the health and lives of many, including children. The impact of a large-scale outbreak, especially on poor and vulnerable children, can be immense.

"UNICEF is helping prevent the spread of coronavirus by supplying vital medical supplies, consulting with communities and implementing prevention campaigns. It is a priority to stop the spread of this new virus, and the misinformation that’s spreading alongside it. 

"At times like this we need to come together. With your help, I am hoping today to raise £27,000 to help fight this war and I will double the amount if we reach the goal. If we manage to reach our target, it will be enough to provide 333,332 pairs of disposable gloves for health workers, 2,777 surgical masks to help prevent the disease spreading further and 9,615 sets of vented goggles."

According to CNN, more than 152,000 cases of the virus have been reported worldwide, spreading to every continent but Antarctica. More than 5,700 people have died as of Sunday.

Pogba used his 26th birthday to raise money for a clean water project, setting a £26,000 target:

The former Juventus man has been hampered by injuries during the 2019-20 campaign, making just five Premier League starts. He hasn't featured since the turn of the year and last saw the pitch in the 4-1 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently said the midfielder is almost ready to return to full training, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News.