Trainer Gian Piero Ventrone, 61, has died from fulminant leukaemia, according to a statement released by Tottenham Hotspur.
The Italian joined Antonio Conte’s staff in November 2021 and quickly proved invaluable to the manager, having previously worked with him as a player at Juventus.
In a statement, Tottenham said: “We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of fitness trainer Gian Piero Ventrone.
“The 61-year-old veteran of Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande, and AC Ajaccio joined Antonio Conte’s staff in November 2021 after stints in similar capacities at Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande, and AC Ajaccio.
“Gian Piero was an instant hit with everyone on the team because he was as likeable off the field as he was demanding on it.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this unbearably sad time, and please know that he will be missed by all of us here at the Club.”
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane posted on Twitter: “Quite simply, a remarkable human being. The news of Gian Piero, our coach, passing away has left me in a state of profound grief. His family has my unconditional support and strength during this difficult time. I’m thankful to have had the chance to hear his words of wisdom and spend time with him; they will be with me forever. Sadly, Prof.”
Ventrone, known as “The Marine” for his dedication to training, reportedly died in Naples, Italy, while sleeping.
Conte, who postponed a press conference scheduled for Thursday in advance of the weekend’s trip to Brighton, entrusted his fellow Italian with enforcing the club’s strict fitness regime, with Ventrone being responsible for the drill that caused several Spurs players to suffer during an intense session in Seoul during the preseason.
Son Heung-min, a South Korean attacker, was seen celebrating with him after his recent hat trick against Leicester, and the forward paid respect to him after the game. Despite his strict techniques, the Tottenham players liked him.
Son remarked, “My connection to Gian Piero is great.”
Tottenham’s No. 7 revealed, “So clearly his English is not excellent, sometimes he is coming with his phone and translating into English from Italian.” “To say the least, it means a great deal. Although his guidance is less useful on the football field, I’ve found it to be invaluable in other areas of my life.
“He has been incredibly supportive, always there to lend a shoulder to cry on or celebrate with. I felt at ease and appreciative after our little chat this morning before we left the hotel and headed to the training facility.”
Legendary Italian coach Marcello Lippi hired Ventrone in 1994, and he is widely credited as the driving force behind the fitness surge that propelled the Italian giants to one of their most dominant stretches in club history and a Champions League title in 1996.
Before Conte brought him to Spurs last year, former Juve players Fabrizio Ravanelli and Fabio Cannavaro appointed Ventrone during their managerial careers in France and China, respectively.
His memorial service will be held in Naples on Sunday afternoon.
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