SERIE A side Atalanta are mourning the loss of teenage midfielder Andrea Rinaldi after he tragically passed away on Monday.
The youngster, 19, suffered a brain aneurysm while training at home during coronavirus lockdown on Friday.
Atalanta teen Andrea Rinaldi has tragically died from an aneurysmCredit: Instagram
Rinaldi was whisked to hospital after falling ill but has now sadly died.
He had spent the season on loan at Serie D side Legnano, scoring once in 23 appearances.
Previously, Rinaldi spent time at Imolese and Mezzolara after coming up through Atalanta’s youth system, where he won both the U17s league title and Italian Supercup.
Rinaldi had been on loan at Legnano this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A statement from Atalanta read: “We are deeply moved and send our heartfelt sympathy to his family members.
“Always available and positive, he knew how to make himself well-liked by everyone.
“Just as on the pitch, you were always the last to surrender. This time too you fought with all your might not to fly away too soon.
“But that kind smile of yours will always remain alive in the hearts of those who had the good fortune to meet you.”
Rinaldi won the U17s title and Italian Supercup at AtalantaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Loan club Legnano also paid a heartfelt tribute to Rinaldi, saying: “Legnano, the city and entire football universe, at all levels, today live on of their most upsetting days.
“Rinaldi, our warrior, has left us. An aneurysm snatched him in the prime of life, with a life ahead of him and with a career that promised bright goals.
“A sudden and shocking tragedy, impossible even to imagine.”
Chairman Giovanni Munafo added: “When Andrea came to training, he came first to greet me. This is a memory I will carry in my heart.
“An extraordinary boy, an example for everyone. On behalf of the club, I express my deepest condolences to the family.
“We are sure that Andrea, from up there, will be the usual warrior like always, who fought in the middle of the pitch to bring the Legnano fans joy.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
