Harry Kane has sent a heartfelt tribute to well-loved Tottenham Hotspur fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone following his sad death on Thursday.
The club issued a statement after the tragic news: "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."
Ventrone's family announced on his Instagram page: "For anyone who would like to give Dad a last goodbye, the Burning Chamber will be set up at the Fatebenefratelli Napoli Hospital (Via Alessandro Manzoni 220) from today until Saturday from 8.30am to 6.30pm. The funeral will be held at the church of San Luigi Gonzaga at 3pm on Sunday October 9 in Via Petrarca, 115 NA. We embrace you all in a big hug, Cinzia, Ivan and Martina."
After hearing the news himself, Kane sent his heartfelt condolences to Ventrone's loved ones. "A truly remarkable man," he wrote on Twitter.
"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."
Antonio Conte's press conference ahead of the Premier League match at Brighton on Saturday was cancelled in light of the tragic news.
