Astori’s captain at international level Gianluigi Buffon paid a glowing tribute to his friend. He said: “You have a young wife and family members who are suffering. Your little girl deserves to know that her father was in all respects a perfect person. You were the best expression of an ancient, surpassed world, in which values such as altruism, elegance, education and respect for others, were the masters.
“You were one of the best sports figures I came across.”
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who managed Astori for the Italian national team: “This is a tragedy. It’s very difficult, at this moment, to find the right words for the family. He was a great player but especially a fantastic guy. I stay really close to his family at this moment because he was only 31. It’s very difficult to explain this situation to his wife, his parents and daughter.”
Former Fiorentina manager Roberto Mancini said: “I learned with great pain what happened to Davide Astori. My condolences to the family.”
AC Milan said in a statement: “A man who loved football and who grew up as footballer with us. AC Milan are shocked by the passing of Davide Astori. It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to his family and closed ones and to Fiorentina.”
Former AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf added: “Life is precious and we need to enjoy every day of it. I send my most sincere condolences to Davide’s family and I thank you Davide for having been a great opponent on the pitch and for all you have done for football. Rest In Peace.”