:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58897749/461760154.jpg.1520175750.jpg)
I’m not even sure how to start this one, but just know that whatever else we may discuss today is trivial. A man died today, and a young one at that. Davide Astori, one of the most well liked and respected men in all of calcio, passed away last night. Astori, 31-years-old, reportedly died in his sleep last night in an Udine hotel, awaiting today’s match against Udinese. All Serie A matches have since been canceled to mark his passing.
Astori reportedly died due to cardiac arrest, and was last seen playing video games with teammate Marco Sportiello, and after failing to turn up for team breakfast, was found deceased.
Adding further grief to this tragedy, Astori had recently become a father for the first time, and leaves behind an infant daughter. The world of calcio, and in particular Roma players, were quick to react to this shocking news.
The club is devastated to learn of the death of Davide Astori. The thoughts of everyone at AS Roma are with the player's family, friends and teammates at this terrible and tragic time. pic.twitter.com/vDlL4LIkJr
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) March 4, 2018
Scioccato, incredulo e senza parole per questa tragedia. Sono vicino alla famiglia e agli amici di Davide #Astori.
— Francesco Totti (@Totti) March 4, 2018
Vorrei scrivere mille cose. Ma non ci riesco. Rimarrai sempre nel mio cuore. Ciao Dà ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RaMh0jB8iD
— Alessandro Florenzi (@Florenzi) March 4, 2018
La notizia della prematura scomparsa del mio ex giocatore Davide Astori mi addolora. Professionista e ragazzo esemplare. Sono vicino alla famiglia e ai suoi cari. Riposa in pace Davide. pic.twitter.com/f19D1CeDln
— Rudi Garcia (@RudiGarcia) March 4, 2018
That’s just a small sampling of the outpouring of condolences for Astori, and as we mentioned all Serie A and Serie B games have been postponed for the remainder of the weekend. Astori, 31-years-old, made his Serie A debut in the fall of 2008 for Cagliari and would go on to feature for Fiorentina and Roma, while earning 14 caps for Italy.
A sad day for football, and an even sadder one for Astori’s family. Rest in Peace, Davide.