The tributes poured in for Fiorentina captain Davide Astori, with the world of football shocked by the news of the 31-year-old’s death due to a sudden illness on Sunday.
Astori also played for Roma, Cagliari, and AC Milan, as well as the Italian national team, and was a well-liked and much-respected player in Serie A.
Fiorentina’s emotions of sorrow and shock were overflowing in their official statement, saying, “Fiorentina are deeply upset to report that captain Davide Astori has died of a sudden illness.
“For the terrible and delicate situation, and above all for the respect of his family, sensitivity is called for.”
La Fiorentina profondamente sconvolta si trova costretta a comunicare che e' scomparso il suo capitano Davide Astori, colto da improvviso malore.
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) March 4, 2018
Per la terribile e delicata situazione, e soprattutto per rispetto della sua famiglia si fa appello alla sensibilità di tutti. pic.twitter.com/bFGnkReWEC
A man who loved football and who grew up as footballer with us. #ACMilan are shocked by the passing of Davide #Astori. It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to his family and closed ones and to ACF Fiorentina
— AC Milan (@acmilan) March 4, 2018
The club is devastated to learn of the death of Davide Astori. The thoughts of everyone at AS Roma are with the player's family, friends and teammates at this terrible and tragic time. pic.twitter.com/vDlL4LIkJr
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) March 4, 2018
Con la nostra maglia hai realizzato i tuoi sogni, hai fatto gol in Nazionale, sei stato il nostro capitano coraggioso. Ti sei fatto amare dalla nostra gente e hai amato la nostra terra. Ciao Davide. pic.twitter.com/vyXJIa4ypF
— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) March 4, 2018
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte paid an emotional tribute to the player he selected during his reign as Italy coach from 2014 to 2016 – and was visibly distressed when he spoke about the star.
Speaking ahead of the Blues’ clash with Manchester City, Conte told Sky Sports: “This is a tragedy and it really hurts me. It’s very difficult at this moment to find the right words for the family.
“I had him with the national team. He was a great player but especially a fantastic guy. I stay close to his wife, parents and daughter. He was only 31 and it’s very difficult to explain this situation.”
Meanwhile, former club Cagliari tweeted: “With our shirt you have made your dreams come true, you scored in the national team, you were our brave captain, you made yourself loved by our people and you loved our land. Goodbye, Davide.”
Monchi: "I know the suffering you are going through, the pain you are feeling, because unfortunately I also experienced it with the late Antonio Puerta. I send strength to his family, friends and teammates, to Fiorentina and Italian football. RIP Davide Astori." https://t.co/I43RVfEyNX
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) March 4, 2018
Rest in peace Davide 🙏🏻 #rip #astori pic.twitter.com/rE02EJj1hU
— Fabio Cannavaro (@fabiocannavaro) March 4, 2018
On this day of tragedy, Juventus expresses its deepest condolences to Davide Astori’s family and Fiorentina.
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) March 4, 2018
Among players, Gianluigi Buffon led the tributes with a moving post on Instagram.
Buffon’s post reads: “Hello dear Asto, I hardly publicly expressed a thought about a person, because I have always thought that the beauty and the uniqueness of relationships, mutual respect and affection, were not exploited or thrown into the meal to those who do not have the delicacy to respect certain ties.
“In your case, I feel I am making an exception to my rule, because you have a young wife and family members who are suffering, but especially your little girl, deserves to know that her father was in all respects a perfect person, a great perfect person.
“You were the best expression of an ancient, surpassed world, in which values such as altruism, elegance, education and respect for others, were masters. Congratulations indeed, you were one of the best sports figures in which I came across. RIP.”
He was joined by Italy legends Franco Baresi and Andrea Pirlo.
Incredulo, una tragedia sono senza parole, ti ho visto crescere e orgoglioso del percorso che stavi facendo. Mi stringo al dolore della famiglia RIP Davide pic.twitter.com/b6alvSRViV
— Franco Baresi (@FBaresi) March 4, 2018
“I saw you grow up and [was] proud of the path you were taking,” said Baresi.
Senza parole.. alla fine se ne vanno sempre i migliori... buon viaggio amico mio. RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BHwH5abZZ6
— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) March 4, 2018
Pirlo’s message read, “No words. In the end, the best always leave. Good journey, my friend.”
The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with the family, friends and colleagues of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori following his tragic passing. pic.twitter.com/8g0oMIXZ8C
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 4, 2018
We’re saddened by the passing of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori. Our condolences are with his friends and family.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 4, 2018
RIP Davide. pic.twitter.com/AlIqBNoSJ6
Shocked about the terrible news about Davide #Astori. Thoughts are with his family, his friends and of course players and staff of @acffiorentina 😞🙏🏻 #RIP pic.twitter.com/vyL2B7ZEfU
— Hakan Çalhanoğlu (@hakanc10) March 4, 2018
RIP Davide #Astori 😔
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) March 4, 2018
My thoughts are with his family and his friends 🙏🏾
Incredibly sad news.
— Edin Džeko (@EdDzeko) March 4, 2018
My thoughts are with the family, friends and all at @acffiorentina
Rest in peace Davide#Astori pic.twitter.com/UBXs2LJKlT
Senza parole. Riposa in pace Davide Astori pic.twitter.com/mukSojB45l
— Paulo Dybala (@PauDybala_JR) March 4, 2018