By Tosin Olakotan
Italian and Manchester city striker Mario Balotelli has expressed shock over the death of his former under 21 team mate, Piermario Morosini.
20- year- old Morosini collapsed on the pitch while playing for his Seria B team Livorno on Saturday April 14, 2012, and was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital in Italy.
Prior to his death, Piermario had lost his parents at the age of 17, leaving him as the head of the family, with two disabled siblings.
Shortly after his parents’ death, his brother committed suicide.
This death has sadly made Piermario the third Europe based footballer the third to suffer a fatal cardiac arrest on the pitch.
Cameroon international Marc Vivian Foe died after a heart attack while playing a confederation cup match in 2003, and in 2007, Sevilla player Antonio Puerta died of heart failure, three days after arriving at the hospital.
A few weeks ago, Bolton wanderers player Fabrice Muamba survived a cardiac arrest while playing against Tottenham Hotspur in an FA cup match.
‘It’s a terrible event and makes you reflect on your own experience. It teaches you to appreciate life and live with and dignity’ said Balotelli, who also said his team mate’s death is a wake up call for all footballers.
Balotelli expresses shock over Morosini's death
