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Medics assist Piermario Morosini on the turf of the Pescara's Adriatico stadium, central Italy, Saturday.
Players at an Italian soccer team have pledged to look after the severely-disabled sister of their former team-mate Piermario Morosini, who died on Saturday after collapsing on the pitch during a game.
Antonio Di Natale, player for Serie A side Udinese, said Monday he and colleagues would provide financial and emotional support to the Maria Carla, for whom Morosini was the main carer.
Morosini, who was on loan to Serie B side Livorno, collapsed during a game against Pescara on Saturday and died on his way to the hospital at the age of 25.
He was orphaned in his teens. His mother died when he was 15 and his father died two years later. His brother, also disabled, committed suicide shortly after that.
Di Natale promised the other players, and the club’s affiliated charity Udinese For Life, will now look after her.
"We know the situation of his sister and we as a team, the club, and Udinese for Life have decided to help her because she is in real need," Di Natale told the club’s website.
"It is essential to stay by the side of Piermario’s sister for her entire life. She needs us and we want to help,” he said.
"When I saw the scene on the television it was immediately clear that it was something serious. It was a very bad moment. He was an exceptional lad, so full of life. Despite all the problems he had, he was always at the disposal of the team and every day he gave us all strength."
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Udinese's Antonio Di Natale, shown in this file image from March 2012.
The site also gave details of a fund created to pay for her care, noting that this was only the latest tragedy to hit the family.
The BBC reported that Serie A, Italy's top football league, cancelled all its matches on the weekend after his death.
Meanwhile England soccer player Fabrice Muamba was discharged Monday from the hospital where he had been treated since collapsing from a cardiac arrest during a game less than a month ago.
The former England under-21 international had been in the London Chest Hospital since collapsing on March 17. His heart stopped beating on its own for 78 minutes while doctors worked to resuscitate him and his prospects of survival were uncertain.
It is still unclear whether Muamba will be able to play professionally again.
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If his mother, father and brother died prematurely and his sister is severely disabled, then his physicians should have been examining him closely for health related problems especially since he was engaging in a very physically demanding activity.
It is wonderful that players on the soccer team he was from have pledged to look after his sister. One small thing to renew our faith in human benevolence.
Hindsight is always 20-20, Pandora, so let's hope that the future will be kind to Morosini's sister and her new family, the Udinese football club, instead looking back.
Although I haven't previously watched Serie A very much, I may become an Udinese fan when they're on TV here in the US. The club and its followers should be proud that their team members made this promise. I would also hope that the club would assure that any charitable donations are protected and well utilized by whatever entity is formed for the girl.
Each and every teammate that actively and consistently helps the girl without seeking credit, notoriety or financial gain for their acts of kindness will be rewarded by their karmas. If they share sincere family love in the process, they will each feel better as individuals and about each other as teammates.
In a perfect world, the bond formed by the team could translate to a much improved team performance and interaction on the pitch that produces bottom line success = wins = Euro Championship playoffs.
Anything can happen, but only if they deserve it!
What a great example of solidarity. I wish soccer was more popular in the US. It is much more interesting than Hockey or Baseball.
Have to agree with you on the baseball thing. If I need a nap I tune in. ZZZZzzzzzzzzzz. Funny, I watched the Masters for the first time and actually enjoyed it. Good for these guys-is there a fund set up?
stonepipe,
Look at the link in the story that says "also gave details of a fund". Maybe chill on the pipe for a little while?
How can you call soccer more exciting than baseball when teams rarely score more than a couple points a game during a soccer match. Sorry, soccer is significantly more boring and yawn-inducing than baseball.
Soccer is booooooooooring. I'm a baseball guy, football is pretty boring as well. But it's a matter of what you like. I'm glad soccer isn't that popular. It's as fun too watch as Hockey.
Sing, overlooked that. Thank you. Blow me.
"Humanity" at its finest. Thanks.
What a great story. What a great soccer club to do this. How tragic that this family has gone through so many tough times.
So very sad :(
So sad and uplifting at the same time he will be at peace now knowing his sister will be well taken care of.
Way to go, GENTLEMEN!
thanks Hot-in Miami,,there are a few Gentlmen left,despite the obstacles we face,,,really,,thank you sister,,
I thinkt the term "look after" in Italian means "shag"