Antonio Conte was in tears before kick-off for Tottenham‘s clash against Brighton as both teams paid a touching tribute to the late Gian Piero Ventrone.
The 61-year-old was the Tottenham fitness coach, and passed away on Thursday. Conte was an emotional figure in his pre-match press conference, and couldn’t fight back the tears in the dugout at the Amex.
There was a lovely minute’s applause that took place prior to kick-off, as Brighton and Tottenham remembered the man nicknamed as ”The Marine’ in Italy because of his rigorous training regimes. He arrived at Spurs with Conte in November 2021.
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Spurs confirmed his passing on Thursday and said “he will be greatly missed by everyone”.
Ventrone, the club statement reads, was “as loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it” and “quickly became a hugely popular figure with the players and staff”.
What did you make of the tribute at the Amex? Let us know in the comments section.
(Image: TWITTER)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Harry Kane said on Twitter: “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. RIP Prof.”
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: GETTY)
Son Heung-min was seen running to the late coach after bagging a stunning hat-trick against Leicester this season, and also paid tribute. “The world has lost a truly special person,” Son wrote on Instagram.
“Gian, 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.”
At Brighton, Harry Kane opened the scoring in the first half with a header, and he paid his own tribute to the former coach, pointing to the heavens.
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