Monza captain Matteo Pessina ‘couldn’t get to sleep’ after his teammate Pablo Marì was wounded in a stabbing attack on Thursday: ‘We are all waiting for you.’
The incident unfolded at 17.30 UK time in a supermarket near Milan. A 46-year-old Italian man, who is said to have been dealing with mental issues, took a knife from the shop’s shelves, wounding four people and killing one.
Marì was taken to hospital and underwent surgery this morning. Monza said in an official statement that he would have to rest for at least two months before gradually resuming training.
His teammate and captain Matteo Pessina wrote a letter to the Arsenal loanee, published on his official Instagram account. Here’s the full translation.
“Last night, the world collapsed on me after Dr. Galliani’s phone call. In our work, we are ready for many unforeseen things, bad things that can happen to us at any moment and suddenly change our lives.
“But when I was told that you were involved in a stabbing while you were with your wife and son, I was overwhelmed by thoughts that still give me no peace. With me, all the teammates, the staff and the whole club.
“We all got stabbed at the same time. Knowing that a person in the tranquillity of a Thursday afternoon, in a supermarket, can suffer such violence is difficult to accept. The news then began circulating while we lived suspended, waiting for information that could at least comfort us.
“How is Pablo?” “Any news?”… These are the messages we exchanged as if they were prayers, hoping that someone would tell us something. Then, Galliani told us that you were not in danger of life but had to undergo surgery and that the rehabilitation path would be long.
“One news that kept me awake all night and still doesn’t give me peace. This cannot have happened.
“We, Pablo, have known each other for a few months, but it’s hard for guys like you not to bond right away. You entered our locker room on tiptoe, with the professionalism and experience that only great men carry with them.
“From the beginning, you have made yourself available to everyone, giving each of us a smile and a word of comfort in the darkest and most difficult moments. And today, it’s us here, all of us together, fighting and gathering around you.
“Just as you have always done for us, we will fight with you in this battle with the smile and strength you have always given us. You’re a rock, we’re waiting for you here!
“A hug to your wonderful family. A special thought to the wounded people and their families, but especially Luis Fernando Ruggieri, the victim of this crazy attack.”
Marì, 29, joined Monza on loan from Arsenal last summer and has scored one goal in eight Serie A appearances so far. He has just posted his first picture after this morning’s surgery, sending his condolences to the victim of the attack.