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Serie A: Fiorentina captain Davide Astori dead at 31
Fiorentina captain Davide Astori has died, aged 31.
The Serie A side confirmed the death of the central defender in a short statement on their official website.
It read: “Fiorentina are deeply upset to report that captain Davide Astori has died of a sudden illness.
READ MORE: Serie A matches postponed after Astori passes away
READ MORE: You were our brave captain – Baresi, Milan and Cagliari lead tributes to Astori
READ MORE: Astori cause of death remains unclear, say Fiorentina
“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.
Per la terribile e delicata situazione, e soprattutto per rispetto della sua famiglia si fa appello alla sensibilità di tutti. pic.twitter.com/bFGnkReWEC— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) March 4, 2018
Fiorentina were due to face Udinese in Serie A later on Sunday – but the match has been postponed because of the death of the former Italian international.
READ MORE: Davide Astori: Milan academy graduate, Cagliari favourite and Italy international
READ MORE: Astori was a fantastic guy – Conte
READ MORE: Astori was set for new Fiorentina contract on Monday, reveals president
Hosts Udinese tweeted: “Following the tragic news of this morning that hit Fiorentina and the whole football world, the Udinese-Fiorentina match was postponed to a date to be decided by the league.”
OFFICIAL: All of today's Serie A games postponed following the tragic sudden death of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori.
— Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) March 4, 2018
Astori started his career with AC Milan but did not play a competitive match for the Rossoneri, and after loan spells with Serie C clubs Pizighettone and Cremonese he joined Cagliari in 2008, playing for the club until 2016.
During his time on the books of the Sardinian side, Astori had loan spells with Roma and Fiorentina, joining the latter permanently in 2016.
Rest in peace Davide Astori Our thoughts are with the family and friends #Astori #Fiorentina
— Franck Ribéry (@FranckRibery) March 4, 2018
After representing Italy Under-18s, Astori played 11 times at senior level. His debut in March 2011 in a 2-0 victory over Ukraine in Kiev was eventful – he was introduced as a first-half substitute before being sent off with 15 minutes remaining after receiving two yellow cards.
Astori scored his only international goal in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup third-place play-off against Uruguay in Salvador, giving Italy a first-half lead in a match which finished 2-2. The Azzurri won the contest on penalties.
‘Football world in mourning’
Football icons past and present were eager to pay tribute to the former Italy international, with former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini tweeting: “I learned with immense pain what happened to David Astori. My condolences to the family and a hug to Fiorentina!”
So sad to hear the news. Rest in Peace Davide Astori thoughts and prayers go out to family. https://t.co/dEFXsghvnt
— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) March 4, 2018
AC Milan, the Italian giants with which Astori spent his youth with, tweeted: “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.”
Monchi, director of football at Roma, tweeted in Italian which translated as: “I know the suffering, I know how it feels, I know the pain because unfortunately I have lived in first person with the mismanaged Antonio Puerta.
“Much encouragement to his family, his friends and companions, the Fiorentina and all the Italian football. Davide Astori DEP”
We’re saddened to hear about the loss of Davide Astori. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Rest In Peace, Davide. https://t.co/rGVacuxzGy
— FIFPro (@FIFPro) March 4, 2018
