Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove said he is ‘feeling good’ and that the support he received from fans, team-mates and opponents helped him recover after being placed in a medically induced coma.
Bove collapsed on the field during a game against Inter Milan on December 1.
‘It’s in moments like these that I understand how genuine this sport truly is and how, beyond the results, competition and rivalries, we are all connected,’ Bove posted on Instagram on Monday in his first public comments since the incident.
‘Connected by a bond that, once created, grows stronger during challenging times becoming almost unbreakable.
‘I have experienced it firsthand in these last few days: the affection I’ve received, the warmth of the fans, the support from team-mates and opponents and the closeness of the ENTIRE football world gave me incredible strength and courage,’ Bove added.
‘I felt surrounded by positive energy, which helped me stay calm and not feel the loneliness that often comes with situations like this.’
Edoardo Bove has broken his social media silence with a touching tribute posted on Instagram
The player collapsed on the field during a clash with Inter Milan before being taken to hospital
Bove thanked fans for their support during ‘these difficult days’ as he opened up on Instagram
The 22-year-old Bove was released from the hospital on Friday but won’t be able to play in Italy again if he needs a defibrillator for his heart.
Playing with a defibrillator is prohibited in Italy.
But Bove could follow former Inter Milan midfielder Christian Eriksen, who resumed his career in the English Premier League after he went into cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at the European Championship in 2021 and had a defibrillator implanted.
‘I’m feeling good and that’s the most important thing!’ Bove said. ‘See you soon… On the pitch!’
Now footage has emerged of Bove making a tear-jerking entrance at the Serie A side’s training ground as the rest of the players, sitting down ahead of a meeting, clapped him and cheered his arrival.
Before a Coppa Italia match last week, which saw Empoli beat Fiorentina 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw between the two sides, staff, players and fans showed their support for Bove in heartfelt scenes at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.
The spectators produced a tifo display in honour of Bove, colourfully exhibiting a banner with the No 4 – his kit number – while others held scarves aloft to express their support.
Bove joined Fiorentina on loan from Roma in August with an option to make the move permanent.