Luigi Riva / Photo: © Enrico Locci / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
Former Italian national football player Luigi Riva died at the age of 80, according to the website of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Earlier on Monday it was reported that Riva was admitted to hospital in Cagliari after collapsing at his home. Recently, the ex-forward had heart problems, and it was possible that he would have to undergo surgery.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. “Riva embodied the image of a free man and an extraordinary footballer: his pride, class and sense of justice united generations and captivated millions of people. Those lucky enough to know him have lost a friend and role model.
Inter Milan and Roma, in particular, expressed their condolences over Riva’s death. As noted on the FIGC website, a minute of silence will be declared before the matches scheduled until the end of the week in Italy.
Riva spent most of his career at Cagliari, with whom he became the Italian champion in 1970. He became the top scorer of Serie A three times and was nominated for the Ballon d’Or award. The forward holds the record for most goals in the Italian national team, scoring 35 goals in 42 matches. Together with the national team, Riva won the 1968 European Championship and won silver at the 1970 World Championships.
2024-01-22 19:57:05
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