Roma midfielder, Daniele De Rossi is making the headlines for a bizarre reason. 

The 32 year-old paid a very rare tribute to former Italian kitman, Pietro Lombardi who recently passed on at the age of 92.  After De Rossi finished training on Wednesday morning, he hurriedly drove to Florence to attend the funeral of his former kitman, and to the consternation of all, he left his 2006 FIFA World Cup winner’s medal in the deceased’s coffin. 

Lombardi was 82 when Italy won the 2006 World Cup. His adeptness at cleaning the footballers’ shoes, earned him respect and admiration amongst the players. He was even  nicknamed ‘Spazzolino’ (toothbrush). 

May his soul find repose. Amen