Chinese soccer player Wu Lei, who played for Spanish club Espanyol, tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to Spanish local media.  

In a video message on March 21, Wu said he was in good spirits and his symptoms had almost completely disappeared.

"I did get infected with coronavirus, and I am currently quarantined at home," Wu said, "I have had a series of tests on my lungs, including CT, and the results looked fine and there was no problem."

He also thanked netizens for their concern. "Don't worry about me. I hope you can take the epidemic seriously since we haven't totally overcome it yet. Please wash your hands often and avoid going out."

"I believe we will certainly defeat the epidemic, and I can't wait to get back to the soccer pitch," he added.

Wu is one of four Espanyol players confirmed to have been infected with the virus, according to the La Liga club. 

Espanyol confirmed on Wednesday six members of the club staff have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Wu is the only Chinese national playing in one of the top five major European football leagues.