The world of football is mourning the death of Igor Protti, who passed away at the age of 58 after a serious illness. The announcement was made this morning by the family, who shared a message from the former striker: "This beautiful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle. It's difficult to find words that can explain this, the only thing I can do is thank my big and wonderful family that I loved." Tomorrow, at 6pm, the body will be at the Picchi stadium in Livorno, and the municipality is preparing to declare municipal mourning.
Meanwhile, many Serie A clubs expressed their regret on social media. Here are some of the posts:
Cagliari - "Cagliari Calcio joins in the pain of the family and the entire football world at the loss of Igor Protti. Champion on and off the field, symbol of passion, values and authenticity. Rest in peace, Igor."
Torino - "President Urbano Cairo and the entire Torino Football Club are moved and join the Protti family in the memory of Igor Protti. A classy striker, Protti was able to win the classification of top scorer in Serie A, B and C1. To his relatives and all his friends, a hug from the Granata Club."
Milan - "Milan remembers with affection Igor Protti, a great striker and loyal opponent. The entire Club joins the family in this moment of pain."
Roma - "AS Roma joins the mourning of the entire football world for the death of Igor Protti. The Club joins in the family's pain."
Lecce - "U.S. Lecce joins in the pain of the football world at the loss of Igor Protti, loyal opponent and unforgettable protagonist of many battles on the field. To his family, the most sincere condolences from the entire Giallorosso Club."
Bologna - "Bologna FC 1909 joins the football world in mourning for the premature death of Igor Protti. To his family and all his loved ones, our deepest condolences."
Udinese - "Udinese Calcio regrets the premature death of Igor Protti, a historic goalscorer in Italian football. From the club, condolences and solidarity with his family."
Atalanta - "Atalanta BC joins the football world in mourning for the premature death of Igor Protti and expresses its most sincere condolences to his family."
Lazio - "S.S. Lazio joins in mourning the death of Igor Protti, Biancoceleste striker from 1996 to 1997 and for a brief period in 1998, an authentic bastion of tenacity and passion. Top scorer in Serie A, B and C, he made entire fans fall in love and scored unforgettable goals, like the decisive one in the derby: an example on the field, an example in illness. At this time of deep pain, the Club unites with affection to the family".
Juventus - "Juventus joins in mourning the premature death of Igor Protti. We are with affection and closeness to his family and loved ones."
Fiorentina - "ACF Fiorentina joins in the pain of the family and the entire football world at the death of Igor Protti. With the same determination and courage shown on the field, he faced his most difficult challenge, leaving an indelible example of strength and dignity."
Napoli - "President Aurelio De Laurentiis, the directors, the team and the entire SSC Napoli unite in mourning the death of Igor Protti, an extraordinary symbol and undeniable top scorer of Italian football. He wore the Azzurri shirt in the '97/98 season, making his admirable contribution and always winning everyone's affection for his human and sporting qualities. He fought to the end with his usual combative spirit, showing a wonderful attachment to life and to your family. Goodbye, Igor."
Genoa - "The entire Club joins in the pain of the Protti family and the world of football over the death of Igor, a symbol of the most authentic values of the game of football and a professional appreciated beyond the teams to which he belonged for his genuineness, his competence and the respect he always showed for his opponents on the field. Thank you. Have a good trip".
Monza - "Monza mourns the death of Igor Protti, a striker who knew how to combine the many goals scored in his career with the values of sacrifice, humility and determination, which he also demonstrated off the field in the tough fight that destiny had in store for him."
