Serie A giants Fiorentina left in mourning after tragic death of ‘beloved president’

Serie A giants Fiorentina have announced the death of their president Rocco B. Commisso with an emotional statement in the early hours of Saturday morning

Serie A giants Fiorentina have been left in mourning after the death of their president Rocco B. Commisso.

Fiorentina, who have been struggling in Italy this season, announced the passing of Commisso with an emotional statement in the early hours of Saturday morning. It read: “With great sorrow and sadness, the Commisso family, his wife Catherine, his children Giuseppe and Marisa, and his sisters Italia and Raffaelina, announce the passing of President Rocco B. Commisso.

“After a long period of treatment, our beloved President has left us, and today we all mourn his passing. For his family he was an example, a guide, a loyal and faithful man who, alongside his wife Catherine, reached the milestone of 50 years of marriage and with his children he was a stern and loving father, as was his character, sweet and decisive.

“His love for Fiorentina was the most beautiful gift he ever gave himself, spending unforgettable days with the boys and girls of the youth teams, always with a caress and a smile for everyone. Unstoppable, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to his companies Mediacom and Fiorentina and their future.

“Football was his love, and Fiorentina became his love seven years ago when Rocco took over the Viola club and began to love its fans, its colors, and the city of Florence.

“‘Call me Rocco,’ he simply told everyone, with his extraordinary empathy. And he was always close to Florence and its people, in their daily lives and even during the most difficult period of the Covid emergency, when the “Strength and Heart” campaign allocated significant donations to the city’s hospitals.

“Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, Fiorentina’s home, will forever bear his name. An indelible mark of affection and the desire to look to the future of young players. His very own players, who grew up in the youth academy, winning youth trophies and continuing their careers in Fiorentina’s first men’s and women’s teams. Under his guidance, Fiorentina reached two Conference League finals and one Coppa Italia final.

“The Commisso family wishes to thank everyone who supported them during this difficult time and is certain that Rocco’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of the many people who loved him and shared both difficult and wonderful times with him.

“Our thoughts at this sad time go out to everyone at Fiorentina: staff, players, employees, everyone who knew Rocco, all the Viola fans, and above all to all those boys and girls who will continue to bring the purple colors and the memory of our Rocco to Italy and the world.

“We miss you and we will always miss you.”