Gian Piero Ventrone has sadly passed away today and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has offered his condolences.
Tottenham are preparing for this weekend’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion, but those plans have hit an unexpected blow.
Tottenham confirmed this morning that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away.
Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Ventrone had an illness that ‘suddenly took him away’ in the last few days.
The Italian has been a legendary fitness coach for almost 20 years having been with Juventus through the 1990’s.
Ventrone therefore worked with Antonio Conte during his playing days and the pair reunited at Tottenham in November.
Ventrone was known for his gruelling training sessions but Tottenham players absolutely loved him and have offered their emotional messages to the 61-year-old’s family.
Besiktas midfielder Dele Alli didn’t spend all that much time with Ventrone, just around two months or so between November and his January exit.
Alli moved on to Everton before the January deadline but the Toffees have quickly shifted him on to Besiktas.
Alli remembers Ventrone well though and has taken to Twitter to send his condolences.
The 26-year-old called Ventrone an ‘amazing human being’ and was clearly taken aback upon hearing the news of his shock passing.
Alli’s former Tottenham teammates – such as Harry Kane and Son Heung-min – will feel a similar way and will be devastated to see Ventrone suddenly pass away.
All Tottenham can do is honour his life and legacy whilst hopefully picking up a win against Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.
That would be a great send-off for Ventrone and Alli will likely be watching on from Turkey, cheering on his former club whilst paying tribute to the Italian.
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