TOTTENHAM fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has died aged 61 after a short battle with acute leukaemia.
The popular Italian arrived at Spurs alongside Antonio Conte in November 2021 and was a trusted ally of the former Chelsea boss.
Ventrone built a reputation of working players extremely hard, but still managed to build up an incredible rapport with them.
In a tragic turn of events, Tottenham confirmed: “We are devastated to announce that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away.
“The 61-year-old joined the Club in November, 2021, as part of Antonio Conte’s backroom staff, having previously held roles at Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande and AC Ajaccio.
“As loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it, Gian Piero quickly became a hugely popular figure with players and staff.
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“He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.”
During his time at Spurs, Ventrone developed a particularly strong relationship with South Korean superstar Son Heung-min – who made a point of hugging him after scoring his hat-trick against Leicester last month.
After the touching moment, Son said: “Yeah, he is a killer. He is a killer but I have a really, really good relationship with Gian Piero.
“So obviously his English is not perfect, sometimes he is coming with his phone and translating into English from Italian.
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“It means a lot. Not as football-wise, I think life-wise he gives me so much advice, which I am really grateful.
“He has been so helpful, giving me always a big hug in tough times and even great times he has always been next to me and every staff.
“Even today before we left the training ground, the hotel, we had a couple of minutes of having a nice conversation which made me really comfortable and really grateful.”
‘WE ARE ALL DEVASTATED’
Following Ventrone’s passing, Richarlison led the tributes – writing on social media: “Since I arrived at Tottenham, Gian has been a huge inspiration to me.
“He always said that I would help him a lot during the season, but who helped me was him… much more than he can imagine. Today we woke up to the terrible news of his passing and we are all devastated.
“We will continue to play for you, my friend, who taught us to never give up! Thank you so much and rest in peace!”
‘A TRULY REMARKABLE MAN’
Devastated striker Kane wrote on Instagram: “A truly remarkable man.
“I’m devastated by the passing of our coach Gian Piero. My love and strength is with his family at this time.
“His words and wisdom will live on with me for the rest of my life and I’m just grateful I had the opportunity to spend time with him. Rest in peace Prof.”
Matt Doherty added, alongside a crying emoji: “Amazing Man.”
‘WE ARE ALL GRATEFUL’
And the Irishman’s fellow full-back Emerson Royal wrote: “I wish I could thank you for what you did for me.. I can’t express in words the pain that is in my chest, you will always be our “proff”! not just me , we are all grateful for what you did for us.
“The days will never be the same without your presence. Rest in peace my eternal friend.”
‘RIP PROF’
Ryan Sessegnon tweeted: “Was such an amazing person😢💙 Devastated by the news 💔
“Was always positive and always pushing us to our limits to become better.
“My love and strength goes out to his family and everyone connected to Gian piero at this difficult time 🙏🏿 RIP Prof.”
‘REAL AND AUTHENTIC’
While last season’s back-up goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini wrote on Instagram: “Ciao prof! 🖤🙏 Real and authentic man in a football full of fake men, it was a privilege to have met you on my journey.”
Tottenham’s fitness levels improved remarkably following the arrival of expert Ventrone, which would have been no surprise to Conte.
The 53-year-old first encountered the man known in his homeland as “The Marine” during his playing days at Juventus under Marcello Lippi in the 1990s.
Ventrone played a role in Juve’s memorable 1996 Champions League win, getting Conte and Co in incredible shape.
As well as Lippi and Conte, Ventrone also went on to work with another Italian legend in Fabio Cannavaro, during the former defender’s stint as Guangzhou Evergrande boss.
Ventrone played a particularly instrumental role in Spurs’ pre-season this year – putting players through their paces with brutal sessions during their tour of South Korea.
Harry Kane threw up during the session while Son collapsed to the ground with tiredness – but both knew the gruelling workout would benefit them in the long run.
In the wake of the tragic news, Conte’s pre-match press conference was understandably cancelled.
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Tottenham’s chief commercial officer Todd L. Kline wrote on Twitter: “Beyond sad news. GPV was a force of nature who made a positive impact on everyone he met.
“I will miss our conversations on the road and his contagious positive attitude. Just a phenomenal human. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
