A Serie A footballer has made an emotional tribute after a much-loved mascot died from an incurable disease.
Luca Caldirola of Monza – who sit 15th in the Italian top flight – spoke after the sad passing of little Ronesio.
Ronesio – or Ronny, as he was better known – had been in hospital for a long time.
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The eight-year-old sadly lost his battle on Tuesday (3 Sep) in Rimini, east of Florence, Italy.
One of Ronny’s top moments was when he was a match mascot at a Monza v Juventus match in Monza, near Milan, in December.
Fans of both teams applauded him, and sang chants and unfurled banners dedicated to him.
Ronny, who supported Juventus, struck up an unlikely friendship with defender Caldirola, 33.
The centre-back, who began his senior career at Inter Milan, is an ambassador for the non-profit organisation Insieme per Fily.
The NPO supports children suffering from osteosarcoma – a type of bone cancer – and their families.
Caldirola said: “I received the news that broke my heart and soul.”
Recalling one of the times he’d spent with Ronny, he said: “At one point, you looked at me and asked, ‘Luca, can you stay here with me?’
“That’s when I realised your strength was running out, and at that moment, with us and your family by your side, you could finally stop fighting.
“With a smile, you gave me a big hug, then said goodbye with a happy look, saying, ‘Goodbye, Luca, my friend.’
“I’ll remember you like this, my friend – smiling and full of energy.
“I’ll always remember your lap around the field during Monza-Juve, jumping under the fan section.
“The penalties with Szczęsny in the locker room, the wonderful day at Monzello with all the players, and your cheers with every goal, ‘SIUUUU.’
“The energy you had unwrapping Pokémon cards and so many other things.
“Thank you, my friend, for teaching me what it means to fight, live, smile, and love.”
Fans of his beloved Juventus also paid tribute to Ronny, as reported by Need To Know.
They said: “The Juventus fanbase loses a small but mighty supporter. In reality, all of Italian football loses him, beyond any team colours.”
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