Bove of Fiorentina commends the camaraderie of soccer as the healing process continues

Edoardo Bove, a midfielder for Fiorentina, made his first public remarks since the incident on Monday, discussing how the true spirit of football gave him courage after he recently collapsed on the field.

Following surgery to implant a detachable heart starting device, Bove was released from the hospital on Friday following his collapse during Fiorentina’s match against Inter Milan on December 1, which resulted in the match being abandoned.

After being warmly welcomed by his colleagues when he visited Fiorentina’s training facility the day after his release, the 22-year-old Bove has now spoken out about the effects of the incident.

“The unpleasant incident that occurred during Fiorentina-Inter taught me, even more than I anticipated, that football is much more than a game, a title, or a career,” Bove wrote in a post on Instagram.

“Football is a community of people, linked by the same passion, who share moments of joy, emotion, anger, disappointment and suffering.”It is in these moments that I realize how true this sport is and how we are all united despite competition, rivalry, and results.”

Bove’s collapse united the Italian football community in a sport that is usually characterized by conflict, and while the player was in the hospital, he got letters from all over the world.

“The affection I received, the warmth of the fans, the support from teammates and opponents, the closeness of the WHOLE world of football was something that gave me strength and an incredible courage,” said Bove.

“I felt like I was surrounded by a wonderful aura that helped me stay composed and avoid the loneliness that is frequently associated with this kind of difficulties.

“For this reason, I would like us all to commit ourselves not to forget the true essence of our sport, not to let ourselves be overshadowed by its commercial side and not to take its authentic spirit for granted.”

It’s unclear if Bove will return to action at Fiorentina, but that is their current goal. Since Serie A does not allow the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), Bove will have to have it taken out in order to play in Italy.

Bove said, “I am fine and that’s the most important thing,” after leaving AS Roma on loan.

“See you soon, on the pitch.”