“He was the greatest of all. Without comparison or possible comparison. The strongest Italian striker in history. And one of the most deadly scorers who ever existed. His name was Gigi Riva, also known as Thunderclap. Formidable footballer, upright sportsman, bearer of crystalline values and principles. True legend, timeless myth”. Thus begins the homage of Cagliari, of which Riva was honorary president, to the Scudetto striker, who passed away today at the age of 79. “Icon of Sardinia, his adopted land, to which he was linked from visceral love.
“He left us today at the age of 79. A sad day for us and for all of world football. Each of us has a memory, an anecdote, a story to tell linked to him: a match, a goal, a simple casual meeting on the streets of Sardinia and in his Cagliari, a shy greeting, an autograph or a photo, a chat quick, a handshake. A piece of shared life to which we have given a place of honor in the album of our memory and which will no longer be removed. The flag that flew on the highest flagpole has been lowered, but what it represented will remain alive forever, as a memory for future generations. He challenged the strongest realities of football and won.
“In the best way, earning admiration and unconditional respect from everyone, including opponents. He took Cagliari up there to touch the clouds, where no one had ever managed to reach. But even more than a simple, extraordinary sports champion, he was an example, a symbol, an icon for Sardinia and for the Sardinians. The identification between Gigi and Sardinia was total, without filters. It had the taste of a genuine and absolute love that nothing can ever erase. Not even the end of an existence. From today we are all more alone. With roots torn out. As if a piece of ourselves has also gone away. As if we had woken up from a long, intense, wonderful dream, from which we never wanted to wake up. Forever Gigi Riva, no one like you ever.”
“It’s the news I never wanted to hear: it caught me off guard, shocked, I’m speechless. Gigi’s passing leaves an unfillable void in all of us. Everyone knew the footballer, I had the privilege of also appreciating the person: a man in one piece, serious and loyal like few others. When I arrived in Cagliari for the first time 36 years ago, he was among the people who were immediately closest to me, with his discretion and confidentiality. The bond has always remained. When I had the chance to return here, hearing those words “Claudio is one of us” moved me, made me feel special. I think now of last June. A few minutes before the final in Bari, when we were in the locker room, he called me to ask me to convey his message of encouragement to the team: “Remind the boys that the whole of Sardinia is behind them.” We didn’t talk often: best wishes for his birthday, the last time at Christmas. I respected him so much, I knew that he would always be there for us. Today is a very sad day. I send a big hug to all his family. Hi Gigi”