Rome - Arabstoday
Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale has expressed his sadness at the death of Piermario Morosini - who died this weekend after collapsing on the pitch - and declared his sister will be taken care of by the club for life. The 25-year-old Livorno player, who was the sole provider for his sister after they lost their parents, was on loan from the Friuli side and died on his way to hospital following Saturday's game with Pescara. Di Natale said the club and its affiliated charity would be there to provide for her with the support she needs. He told Udinese channel: "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. "It is essential to stay by the side of Piermario’s sister for her entire life. She needs us and we want to help, both for her and for Mario." Thousands of fans turned out in front of Livorno's Armando Picchi stadium yesterday to pay their respects, while a minute's silence was observed before games around Europe. The Italian Football Association chose to suspend play in all divisions following his death. Di Natale said: "When I saw the scene on the TV 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."