Chiellini delivers touching tribute to late Igor Protti: ‘I owe you so much’ | OneFootball

Giorgio Chiellini has paid an emotional tribute to former Livorno striker Igor Protti, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 58 following a long fight against cancer, describing the Italian football legend as a formative figure in his life and career.

The former Juventus captain and current Juventus director of football strategy took to social media to express his grief, drawing on a bond that began when the two shared time together at Livorno, where Chiellini took his first steps in professional football and Protti was a celebrated goalscorer and captain.

BARI, ITALY – MAY 26: Igor Protti attends during the Italian Football Federation against racism event ‘Razzisti? Una brutta razza’ on May 26, 2015 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Chiellini to Protti: ‘I owe you so much’

“Hello Igor, it is not easy to find the words, because what you meant to me goes beyond what one can write,” Chiellini said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“I met you when I was a child and you were my idol and captain. For many years you were in that group truly like an older brother. One of those who make you grow without you realising it, who give you so much not with long speeches but with daily example.”

Chiellini also spoke of Protti’s continued presence in his life long after their playing paths diverged.

“You never stopped being close to me, more in the difficult moments than the joyful ones, because you could sense even from a distance when I needed you,” he said.

“I owe you so much. In many choices, in many attitudes, there is something inside that you left me. It hurts to say goodbye, because certain people you would always want by your side. But at the same time I know that what you gave me remains, and it is something I carry inside me every day. Thank you truly for everything, Igor – for what you were and for what you will continue to be for me