FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Fiorentina paid tribute to David Sassoli, the President of the European Parliament who died today, aged 65.
Sassoli had been hospitalized with severe pneumonia, not due to COVID in September and was hospitalized again at the end of December as his immune system was not functioning normally.
Sassoli was one of Italy’s most popular tv journalists before the beginning of his political career.
He was named President of the European Parliament in July 2019. Born in Florence in 1956 he was a Fiorentina fan and the Tuscans paid tribute to Sassoli on social media.
Tutta la Fiorentina esprime il suo profondo cordoglio per la scomparsa di @DavidSassoli, Presidente del Parlamento europeo, giornalista e grande tifoso viola. pic.twitter.com/k0Nm5Pzcte
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) January 11, 2022
“Fiorentina expresses their deep sorrow for the passing of David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, journalist and big Viola fan.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also honoured the memory of Sassoli.
“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of David Sassoli,” Infantino said.
“Mr Sassoli shared our passion for using football as a tool for social cohesion and inclusion as well as working together on topics such as equality, discrimination, women’s rights, opportunities, free movement, health and climate.
“His proactive and collaborative approach can be highlighted throughout his successful career. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to him and send my sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who hold him dear.”