- Edoardo Bove will never be allowed to play in Italy again if he has to have a defibrillator fitted
- The midfielder collapsed on the pitch during Fiorentina’s match against Inter Milan
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Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove said he is ‘feeling good’ and that the support he received from fans, teammates and opponents helped him recover after being placed in a medically induced coma.
Bove collapsed on the pitch during a match against Inter Milan on December 1.
“It is moments like these that I understand how genuine this sport really is and how beyond the results, the competition and the rivalry, we are all connected,” Bove posted on Instagram on Monday in his first public comments since the incident.
‘Bound by a bond that, once created, grows stronger in challenging times and becomes almost unbreakable.
“I have experienced it firsthand in recent days: the affection I have received, the warmth of the fans, the support of teammates and opponents and the proximity of the ENTIRE football world have given 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 accompanies these types of situations.’
Edoardo Bove has broken his silence on social media with a moving tribute on Instagram
The player collapsed on the pitch 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
22-year-old Bove was released from hospital on Friday, but can no longer play in Italy as 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 English Premier League career after suffering cardiac arrest and having a defibrillator implanted while playing for Denmark at the 2021 European Championship.
‘I feel good and that’s the most important thing!’ said Rascal. ‘See you…On the field!’
Now footage has emerged of Bove making a tearful entrance onto the Serie A training ground as the rest of the players, who sat down for a meeting, clapped his hands and cheered his arrival.
Ahead of a Coppa Italia match last week, in which Empoli defeated Fiorentina 4-3 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 honor of Bove, colorfully displaying a banner with the number 4 – his equipment number – while others held up scarves to show their support.
Bove joined Fiorentina on loan from Roma in August, with an option for a permanent transfer.