'Far too young': 19-year-old footballer dies in 'shocking' quarantine tragedy
Andrea Rinaldi, a midfielder with Serie A club Atalanta, has died after suffering an aneurysm. He was 19.
Rinaldi was part of the youth setup with Atalanta but had been spending this season on loan at Serie D side Legnano, which confirmed the cause of his death on Friday.
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“Andrea fought for three days after the illness that hit him,” Legnano said in a statement.
“An aneurysm snatched him out of life in the prime of his life, with a life ahead and with a career that promised bright goals.
“A sudden and shocking tragedy, impossible even to imagine.”
The club called him “a golden boy” who was “exemplary in life and play.”
He had 23 appearances this season with one goal.
“Never a word and a tone out of place, never a protest and a controversy, always and only fairness, commitment, education and respect,” the club wrote in an English translation.
Rinaldi was training at his home due to coronavirus restrictions on Friday when he fell ill and was taken to a hospital in Varese.
“Always available and positive, he knew how to make himself well-liked by everyone,” Atalanta said.
“Just as on the pitch you were always the last to surrender, this time too you fought with all your might not to fly away too soon.
“But that kind smile of yours will always remain alive in the hearts of those who have had the good fortune to meet you.”
President Antonio Percassi and the whole Atalanta family offer Andrea #Rinaldi's relatives and A.C. #Legnano their deepest and most sincere condolences.
Ciao Andrea...— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) May 11, 2020
Football world mourns death of Andrea Rinaldi
Legnano announced details of a funeral at Cermenate Stadium and said his No. 8 will be delivered to the family with no one allowed to wear it in the future.
Rinaldi would have turned 20 on June 23.
Rinaldi came through the academy system with Atalanta, beginning with the club at the age of 13.
He was a part of the title-winning Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana teams in 2016.
He was on loan to Imolese in Serie C and Mezzolara in the Italian fourth tier prior to his time with Legnano.
Players and fans, including Napoli striker Lorenzo Insigne, gave their condolences to the family.
Andrea Rinaldi, Atalanta's 19-year-old midfielder, has tragically passed away.
Rinaldi was struck by an aneurysm three days ago while training at home.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/839llby4UF— Goal (@goal) May 11, 2020
Horrible news this morning
19 year old Atalanta midfielder Andrea Rinaldi has passed away after suffering a brain aneurysm during training a few days ago.
RIP. 💔 pic.twitter.com/mzuGMavYqF— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) May 11, 2020
#RIP #AndreaRinaldi
Wish we could have seen you play for a lot lot lot longer! Rest In Peace!
🙏🏼💐💔 pic.twitter.com/MBHsfey1Rg— Souvik Sengupta (@Souvik12121995) May 11, 2020
Absolutely heartbreaking to hear the news of Andrea Rinaldi.
Far far far too young.
Our thoughts are with all his loved ones and Atalanta fans.
RIP pic.twitter.com/S7eZCjy8bZ— AtléticoFans (@AtleticoFans) May 11, 2020
19 year-old Atalanta midfielder Andrea Rinaldi has sadly passed away
He had been in the hospital for three days after suffering a brain aneurysm while training at home
RIP Rinaldi and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sKOXK7m5VK— Footy Hub (@FootyHub4) May 11, 2020
Atalanta midfielder Andrea Rinaldi who is currently on loan at Legano, has passed away after suffering a brain aneurysm during a training session. He was just 19 years old.
Rest in peace 💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/uYzOqXl4Ag— Beast_Bailly 🔴 (@beast_bailly) May 11, 2020
Andrea Rinaldi (19) from Atalanta passed away earlier today, after suffering a brain aneurysm during a training session.
It's absolutely devastating how cruel life can be. No one knows when the last goodbye is. pic.twitter.com/q58swzNiXD— 🐐™ (@TheFergusonCode) May 11, 2020
