The footballing world is mourning the loss of respected fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone, who sadly passed away yesterday, and tributes to ‘The Marine’ are pouring out.
The 61-year-old Italian fitness coach tragically passed away on Thursday due to fulminant leukaemia. His loss was unexpected and has led to an outpouring of support and love from those who knew and worked with him.
Ventrone had an impressive career, spending nine years with Juventus from 1994 to 2004, working alongside Marcello Lippi. He joined the Italian coach at the Azzurri for the 2006 World Cup and also spent time in China and France before joining Antonio Conte’s staff at Tottenham last year. His tough training regiments were key in building the athletic and physical fitness of players, who all respected the Italian.
Tottenham released a touching statement commenting on the loss of Ventrone.
“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. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.”
Spurs defender Matt Doherty called Ventrone an “Amazing Man” in a tweet alongside a crying emoji.
Richarlison posted a long tribute to the fitness coach on his Instagram page, detailing their special relationship.
“Since I arrived in Tottenham, Gian has been a huge inspiration to me. He always said that I would help him a lot during the season, that I was a warrior and even that my hair looked like his since I dyed it white.
“But who helped me was him… and much more than he can imagine. Especially at the beginning, when he said I shouldn’t lower my head under any circumstances, no matter what.
“Today we woke up with this terrible news of his passing and we are all devastated. But we will continue to play for you, my friend, who taught us to never give up! Thank you so much and rest in peace.”
Harry Kane also wrote a touching message, thanking Ventrone for his work and friendship.
“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.”
Emerson Royal commented on the pain he felt following the news of Ventrone’s passing.
“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.”
Ryan Sessegnon shared a photo of the two of them together alongside the caption: “Forever in our hearts.”
Son Heung-Min wrote a poignant tribute to Ventrone after the tragic news.
“The world has lost a truly special person. Gian Piero, you helped me get through the hardest times, and together we celebrated some some incredible memories.
“I cannot put in enough words my gratitude to you, and how much I owe to you. We will miss you so, so much. Thank you for everything my friend. I am sending all of my love to you and all of your family.”
Italy World Cup winners Gigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro trained under Ventrone for Juventus and Italy.
“Football today has lost a great man. An example, on and off the field. Goodbye Marines,” wrote the Parma goalkeeper.
“Goodbye my friend, I will forever remember you with great affection,” added Cannavaro on Instagram. Ventrone had joined Cannavaro’s staff at Guangzhou from 2019 until 2021.
Fiorentina’s Pierluigi Gollini wrote a brief tribute to the fitness coach on his Instagram story, saying: “Bye Prof! A real and authentic man in a football full of fake men, it was a privilege and an honour to have met you during my journey! Have a safe trip.”