Tottenham Hotspur captain Hugo Lloris offered an emotional tribute to the late Gian Piero Ventrone after Spurs’ game against Brighton and Hove Albion this evening.
It’s been a tough week for all involved with Tottenham Hotspur. After the crushing defeat against Arsenal last weekend, a frustrating 0-0 draw against Frankfurt in the Champions League did little to lift spirits.
Then, on Thursday the club announced fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone had passed away. Such a tragedy certainly puts things into perspective and makes events on the field seem very unimportant.
Ventrone had joined the club last November, following his long-time friend and colleague Antonio Conte. In his role as fitness coach, Ventrone had been instrumental in transforming the physical side of the players’ game.
Tottenham Hotspur had announced arrangements to pay tribute to Ventrone prior to kick-off at the Amex Stadium, including a minute’s applause, black armbands, and special warm-up t-shirts for the players bearing the message ‘Always in our hearts, Gian Piero’.
It was an emotional atmosphere at the Amex, with Conte and many others brought to tears by the gestures to Ventrone.
Spurs were able to secure a tight 1-0 win over Brighton thanks to a first-half goal from Harry Kane. It’s an important victory for the team, made all the more poignant in light of events off the pitch this week.
After the game, Spurs captain Hugo Lloris took the time to visit the travelling support in the away stand. In a video shared by Sky Sports’ Football Daily, Lloris brought with him a Tottenham shirt with the name ‘Gian Piero’ on the back.
The fans did not disappoint either, breaking out into a chorus of “There’s only one Gian Piero,” as Lloris showed his appreciation by patting his chest.
Hugo Lloris holds up a Tottenham shirt in tribute for fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone who passed away earlier on during the week. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4jnQMvrCsi
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 8, 2022
The Spurs squad later signed the shirt in memory of Gian Piero…
Grazie, Prof 💙 pic.twitter.com/pRNdigb2uc
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 8, 2022
Spurs Web Opinion
The lads on the pitch will have made Gian Piero so proud today, putting in a solid display and securing the three points under difficult circumstances. Off the field, the supporters were incredible too, from both sides.
It’s such a touching moment to see everyone in the sport come together and memorialise a great man in this way.