Tottenham players have paid tribute to Gian Piero Ventrone following his death at the age of 61. Following reports from Italy on Thursday morning stating that Spurs' fitness coach had died suddenly from acute leukaemia, Tottenham confirmed the tragic news at 10am.
"We are devastated to announce that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away," read a statement on the club's official website. "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."
READ MORE: Juventus pay classy tribute to Gian Piero Ventrone after Tottenham fitness coach dies
A hugely popular figure during his time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with both players and coaching staff, Ventrone will most definitely be missed by all at the club. Following the news of his passing, Spurs players paid tribute to the Italian.
Matt Doherty simply labelled him as an "amazing man" on his Twitter account with his words accompanied by a crying emoji, while Richarlison opened up on how the fitness coach had helped him following his move from Everton. The summer signing even joked that Ventrone used to tell him that they had similar hair since he dyed it white.
"Since I arrived at 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," said Richarlison on his Instagram account.
"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 to the 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 was next to pay tribute to Ventrone and stated that "his words and wisdom will live with me for the rest of my life".
"A truly remarkable man. I’m devastated by the passing of our coach Gian Piero," said the England captain. "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 penned on his Instagram account: "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 added: "Was such an amazing person. Devastated by the news. Was always positive and always pushing us to our limits to become better. My love and strength goes out to his family and everyone connected to Gian Piero at this difficult time. RIP Prof."
Just last month Son Heung-min opened up on his relationship with Ventrone after he played a part in helping the South Korean net a hat-trick against Leicester City after his previous goal struggles. Taking to Instagram, Son wrote an emotional message to his friend.
"The world has lost a truly special person. Gian, you helped me get through the hardest times, and together we celebrated some incredible memories. I cannot put in enough words my gratitude to you, and how much I owe to you," he said.
"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."
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, who worked under Ventrone in his season on loan at Spurs in 2021/22, was one of the first to pay tribute to his fellow countryman on Instagram. He wrote: "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."
It wasn't just in terms of the playing and coaching staff who Ventrone had an impact on as those behind the scenes also loved working with him. Todd Kline, Tottenham's chief commercial officer, was another who adored spending time with the coach.
He tweeted: "Beyond sad news. GPV was a force of nature who made a positive impact on everyone he met. I will miss our conversations on the road and his contagious positive attitude. Just a phenomenal human. My thoughts are with his family and friends."
READ NEXT:
Antonio Conte may be about to send two Tottenham players clear message with huge Brighton call
Antonio Conte's angry Bryan Gil exchange and the main problem with his Tottenham squad demands
Ndombele Napoli impact, Sampdoria change for Winks, Udogie's Conte claim - Tottenham loan latest
Tottenham player ratings: Kane missing final touch, Lloris kicking poor and quiet Richarlison
Further injury issue for Conte, Gil hope - 5 things spotted in Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham
