Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has paid tribute to Davide Astori and revealed that he attempted to sign the late Fiorentina captain while in charge of Southampton.
The world of football has come together as one following the untimely death of Astori, who passed away at the weekend with a heart complication.
Pochettino has weighed in with his own personal regards to the 31-year-old's family, and says that he came close to bringing the Italy international to English football before leaving Southampton four years ago.
"I want to send all my condolences to Davide Astori and all the people that love him, and I think it's a massive tragedy," he told reporters at Tuesday's press conference.
"I had the possibility to meet him five years ago because it was my idea to sign him when we were at Southampton. I took three hours to have lunch with him and he was a great kid, great person, great professional, great player.
"It was very sad news, we were devastated to hear the news and we share the pain with all the people in Italy and Florence, and I send all my energy to his family."
Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris added: "We've been very affected by this tragic news. It's not only Italian football, it's the world of football that is affected.
"It's important in that moment to show solidarity and I think all our thoughts go to the family and friends of Astori."
Spurs will hold a minute's silence for Astori prior to Wednesday night's home match with Juventus at Wembley Stadium.
Daniel Lewis
