Tottenham have confirmed the sad passing of their fitness coach Gian Piero Vetrone on Thursday morning – prompting reaction from Spurs legend Graham Roberts, and the club’s current commercial officer Todd Kline on Twitter.
Ventrone’s death was confirmed by Tottenham after the Spurs fitness coach died ‘suddenly’ from acute leukemia. Born on April 14, 1960, the Italian was only 62 at his time of passing. He joined Tottenham after Antonio Conte’s arrival.
While he did not work directly under Conte as a manager before Spurs, Conte came across Ventrone during his playing career. The duo worked together at Juventus – Ventrone’s second spell as a fitness coach between 2001 and 2004.
The Italian was nicknamed ‘The Marine’ for his incredibly hard fitness sessions. Loved by those at Tottenham during his brief time in North London, he was the man to force Spurs players to do a pitch-long run in South Korea.
Ryan Sessegnon even branded Ventrone as “very intense”. Tottenham confirmed the news after reports in Italy had emerged, the fitness coach had passed away – with news emerging on Thursday, branding the news “impossibly sad”.
Tottenham confirm passing of Ventrone: Roberts and Kline reaction
Ventrone enjoyed a career that saw him spend most of his time in Italy. Spending eight years at Juventus over two spells, before leaving in 2004. He also spent a season at Catania, even as an assistant manager in France with Ajaccio.
Before his move to Tottenham under Conte, he spent time in China – firstly with JS Suning, and then GZ Evergrande. A well-liked character despite his intense fitness workouts, it is a sad loss for Tottenham, Conte and the club’s players.
Having posted confirmation on Twitter, Spurs icon Roberts responded to the post – stating Ventrone was a “great man” and will be “sadly missed”. Kline also posted his reaction, describing Ventrone as a “force of nature”.
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