CHERRIES full-back Diego Rico has reportedly made a donation to help nursing homes where his grandmother and aunt are located back in Spain.

The defender, who has made 23 appearances for Cherries in all competitions this season, has been back in his homeland since the middle of March amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Burgos-born Rico has spent the isolation period with his family, having last featured for Eddie Howe’s men at the start of February.

In quotes translated from Spanish publication Diario De Burgos, Rico said: “After much thought I understood that it could be a good option.

“The elderly are the most at risk in this pandemic, the most fragile and that is why I opted for this route.

“I have a grandmother and an aunt in nursing homes and I thought it was the best way to help. This donation will go directly to people in my city and two of my relatives.”

Rico first left his homeland in July 2018 to join Cherries from Leganes, in a £10.7million move.

He added: "The situation is complicated and I think we should all collaborate in whatever way we can, so that this happens as soon as possible and we can return to normality."