Italy coach Roberto Mancini and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci wrote messages for Federico Chiesa on social media: ‘Remember what we said last summer…’
Chiesa has been ruled out until the end of the season with a serious knee injury.
The 24-year-old will undergo surgery in the coming days and is expected to remain out of action for at least six months.
Many of his Juventus teammates sent messages to the Italy international on social media, wishing him a speedy recovery.
‘Come on little brother,’ Juventus stars send Chiesa messages after knee injury
Veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci wrote one of the most touching and motivating ones, telling Chiesa not to give up and mentioning Italy’s path to Euro 2020 win.
“Everyone will say that they are with you, that you will come back stronger than before. I only tell you that it’s only up to you,” Bonucci wrote on Instagram.
“You can take two different paths. I won’t even mention one, but the second has already begun and it’s made of hard work. As we said this summer, one centimetre at a time, to become a better man and a better footballer.
“You already know where this path will take you. I am waiting for you.”
Chiesa, who had previously shared a social media message saying he ‘would return soon’ replied to Bonucci saying: “We’ll meet again very soon and you know that.”
Italy coach Roberto Mancini also reacted to Chiesa’s injury on Twitter. “Injuries are part of players’ career as we saw this summer,” he said remembering Leonardo Spinazzola’s Achilles injury during the Euros. “But what makes the difference is the desire to get up and you are full of it. We are waiting for you, Fede.”