Pioli reflects on Astori passing and tattoo tribute: ‘I always carry him with me’ | OneFootball

Stefano Pioli has paid his respects to the late Davide Astori on the seventh anniversary of his passing and has opened up about the tattoo that he got as a tribute to his former captain. ‘I always carry him with me’.

The former Fiorentina captain died in his sleep on March 4, 2018 in Udine, prior to an away match against Udinese. Pioli was in charge of Fiorentina at the time of Astori’s death.

“It’s impossible to forget this date,” Pioli said in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s equally impossible to not have positive memories of who Davide was,” Pioli continued. “A fantastic guy, with whom I was lucky to enough to share some amazing times, who left his mark on all of us.”

Pioli on Astori anniversary: ‘I always carry him with me’

Pioli has a permanent tribute to the late Astori in the form of a tattoo: “I always carry him with me,” he explained.

“Davide is inside me, because of this symbol, but also because I immediately understood that he would be an incredible person to work with, and a great captain.

“We would have direct but genuine confrontations, his sincerity and his desire brought us all forward. We spoke with many of his former teammates to continue Davide’s values.”

What does Pioli remember most about Astori?

“His smile. I had an office that the players had to pass by before they went for breakfast. He was always the first in and always had a smile on his face. I carry his positivity inside me.”

Reflecting on the immediate aftermath of the tragedy in Udine seven years ago, Pioli added: “It was difficult and complicated. We went through an unimaginable situation. We strengthened each other and overcame the difficulties by following Davide’s example. It wasn’t down to me, but the players, fans and the club. It wasn’t easy.”