The world was put on hault on Sunday, when the tragic and devastating news of Kobe Bryant’s death came as a surprise. The outpouring of emotions for Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing has been felt and shown on social media by many football players. Some of the players include Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, Lukaku, and Mbappe to name a few. With the tributes still continuing in the days to come, the All Star Legend’s favorite boyhood club AC Milan are set to pay tribute to the NBA legend.
Bryant died on Sunday alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The 41year-old was very outspoken on his love for football and was a known football fan who grew up supporting AC Milan. He would also site Marco van Basten as his idol.
Italy’s Clubs are set to show their respect for the NBA legend Kobe Bryant , as he will be mourned for an entire week in Italy. Italy’s president of the basketball federation made this known as the country where he spent a significant amount of his childhood tend to carry on his legacy in the wake of the horrific incident.
Giovanni Petrucci, president of the Italian federation, said a minute of silence will be dedicated to Bryant for all games for the entire week. “A small but heartfelt and dutiful gesture to honor the life and memory of Kobe Bryant, absolute champion who has always had Italy in his heart,” Petrucci said in a statement.
Bryant, who was a known AC Milan fan, is expected to receive tribute from the club as they have announced that they will wear black armbands for their Coppa Italia quarter-final against Torino on Tuesday night. Torino are also expected to wear black armbands as well to pay their respects. Before the game there will be tributes as well.
“ In agreement with @SerieA, tonight #ACMilan will wear the black armband in memory of Kobe Bryant, who died in a tragic helicopter crash together with his daughter Gianna Maria and 7 other victims,” the Club tweeted.
“The whole San Siro will also pay a tribute just a few minutes away from kick off.”
The Los Angeles Icon moved to Italy when he was six-years-old. He spent about 7 years in italy while his father Joe “Jellybean” Bryant was playing professional basketball in the country. His death came as a shock to Andrea Menozzi, who coached the younger Bryant at San Vincenzo school in Reggio Emilia.
Bryant, who spoke Italian fluently, talked fondly about growing up in the country and his love for the Italian soccer club AC Millan.
“Obviously I’m a big AC Milan fan,” he told Reuters. “I always said if you cut my left arm it bleeds black and red and if you cut my right arm it bleeds purple and gold.”
Kobe Bryant will surly be missed. #MambaForever #MambaForever24 #824
