Salvatore Schillaci’s wife Barbara says the Italian legend ‘deserved love’ from the country and his hometown Palermo, while their son Mattia insists his father was ‘humble’ and taught him ‘so much.’
Schillaci died at a hospital in Palermo on Wednesday at 59. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022.
Fans and ordinary people are paying tribute to the Azzurri legend at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo, while his funeral will be held on Friday in the capital of Sicily.
“We are happy with the love that Palermo and the whole of Italy are giving to Totò. He deserved it. He did so much,” Schillaci’s wife Barbara told reporters, as quoted by Sky Sport Italia.
“We expected all these people. They’d always stop us around the streets of Palermo, and we felt the same at the hospital from the doctors who did all they could. They gave so much love and are now here to say goodbye to Totò.”
‘Humble’ Schillaci ‘deserved Italy’s love’, say wife and son
Totò and Barbara’s wife, Mattia, also spoke to reporters.
“Unfortunately, Dad’s death will forever affect our lives, but all the people coming here to support us and say goodbye to him are helping us,” he said.
“He taught us so much. He was a humble person who fought in everything he did. He will forever be a reference point. He wasn’t only my father; he was one of my best friends. I have so many memories from my childhood. We played football together, and his actions taught me many things.
“He taught me to fight until the end, grow and overcome obstacles with my strength. This is what he did.”
Schillaci had opened a school of football in Palermo to help families who couldn’t afford high expenses.
“This is why he built this school of football. To help all the kids who need it and help them follow their dreams,” said Mattia.
“Italia ’90 was a fantastic moment for him, one of the best moments in football for him and the country,” he concluded.
God Bless you, Totò!