Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove has spoken publicly for the first time since his frightening collapse during a Serie A match against Inter Milan. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Bove reflected on the incident and expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received.
The 22-year-old Italian described the incident as an eye-opening experience that revealed the true nature of football. “The unfortunate episode that occurred during Fiorentina-Inter has shown me, even more than I thought, that football is much more than a game, a championship, or a career,” Bove stated.
He went on to emphasize the sense of community within the sport: “Football is a community of people, bound by the same passion, who share moments of joy, emotion, anger, disappointment, and suffering.”
Bove was deeply moved by the outpouring of support he received from all corners of the football world. He noted, “The affection I received, the warmth of the fans, the support from teammates and opponents, the closeness of the ENTIRE football world was something that gave me incredible strength and courage.”
The midfielder described feeling surrounded by positive energy that kept him calm and prevented him from feeling isolated during this challenging time.
Reflecting on his experience, Bove urged everyone to remember the true essence of football. He cautioned against becoming too focused on the commercial aspects of the sport, emphasizing the importance of preserving its authentic spirit.
“What happened on Sunday is a testament to the genuine part of football: the one that feeds on real emotions, personal stories, and a strong bond between those who play and those who support,” Bove explained.
Concluding his message on an optimistic note, Bove reassured his fans and well-wishers: “I’m fine, and that’s the most important thing. See you soon… On the field!”
