Wigan Athletic old boy admits '100 per cent concern'

Premier League clubs met on Friday to reaffirm their commitment to resuming the campaign, and are understood to have earmarked June 8 as a best-case scenario to return following the coronavirus suspension.

However, with the Covid-19 death figures in the Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community disproportionately high - more than twice that of white victims, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies - Heskey says the situation remains a massive concern.

“If I was playing football, 100 per cent I’d be concerned about that sort of thing," Heskey, 42, told 'The Conversation' podcast.

"I live with four kids. I’m looking at my wife, I’m looking at my wife’s family, I’m looking at my family – and I’d be concerned.

“When you’re looking at the spike in black, Asian and ethnic minorities, we’ve got to look at underlying problems within those groups.

“My grandad passed away two years ago come December, and he had diabetes, high blood pressure – all these things. These are the problems we have.

“Some of us don’t even know we’re walking around with them until something happens.

"My eldest kids are sickle cell trait as well. What happens with them? Are they at risk as well?

“I’ve started to look at my diet. I’ve started to make sure I get out and do something.

"You get away with a lot when you’re playing because you’re fit.

"But when you’re not playing, you have to take care of yourself more.

"I would say my mum’s healthier than me.”