Tottenham fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone passes away aged 61

Tottenham have announced the passing of fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone aged just 61.

A key part of Antonio Conte’s staff, his untimely death comes after a short illness.

A statement from the club on Thursday morning read: “We are devastated to announce that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.”

“As loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it, Gian Piero quickly became a hugely popular figure with players and staff. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.”

Ventrone joined Spurs in November 2021 when Conte was appointed head coach. The Italian had previously worked at Juventus and Catania in his homeland, as well as spells in China with Jiangsu Suning and Guangzhou Evergrande, and in France with Ajaccio.

He was known for his gruelling fitness drills but was still well liked by the players he worked with.

“He’s a killer, to be honest. But I have a really, really good relationship with Gian Piero,” Spurs forward Son Heung-min revealed just last month. “Obviously, his English isn’t perfect and sometimes he comes with his phone to translate into English from Italian. It means a lot.

“Not just football-wise, but life-wise he gives me so much advice and I am really grateful for that. It’s been so helpful and I always give him a big hug, even in tough times. He’s always been next to me at every stop.”