By Victor Kanayo
Tributes are pouring in following the death of a World Cup legend, Salvatore Schillaci.
Popular known as Toto, Schillaci was reported to have died aged 59 after struggling with colon cancer.
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and faced a major setback in his fight against the disease this month.
He was eventually hospitalised with an atrial arrhythmia and Inter Milan confirmed he died on Wednesday.
The Italian Serie A has already announced one minute silence in his honour during matches at the weekend.
On the roll call of mourners is his former club Inter Milan.
The club via X wrote, “You made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia 90. FC Internazionale Milano extends its condolences to the Schillaci family upon Totò’s passing.”
Also, Juventus confirmed the passing of the World Cup legend, stating: “Salvatore Schillaci left us today; too soon, too soon, at 59 years old”.
The Italian icon, who lit up the nation’s home World Cup in 1990, played for Juventus and Inter in a glittering career spanning 384 matches, scoring 159 goals.
The then centre-forward bagged six goals in the World Cup where he emerged a national hero.
He entered Italia 90 with just one cap and the squad number 19.
He ended the tournament clutching the Golden Boot award as well as the Player of the Tournament trophy.
Also expressing grief over his demise, Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni wrote: “A football icon leaves us, a man who entered the hearts of Italians and sports lovers around the world.
“Salvatore Schillaci, known to all as Totò, the bomber of the magical nights of Italia ’90 with our National team. Thank you for the emotions you gave us, for making us dream, cheer, hug and wave our Tricolore. Have a good trip, champion”.
