MAURO BELLUGI, the former Inter Milan and Italy defender, has died aged 71 following horrific complications from Covid-19.
Bellugi, who was admitted to hospital in November after contracting the virus, died last Saturday.
The virus forced the Buonconvento native to have both of his legs amputated as it worsened the effects of a pre-existing condition.
Clubs across Italy paid tribute to Bellugi with a minute's silence before their respective matches at the weekend.
Inter also paid tribute to their former star on Twitter, writing: "Today he leaves us, a great man, a great footballer, a true 'Interista'.
"Rest in peace Mauro Bellugi."
Attilio Fontana, the president of the Lombardy region, hailed the late Bellugi on social media.
He wrote on Facebook: "Exactly one year after the first case of Covid in Italy, Mauro Bellugi leaves us.
"Scarred by the virus, the national and Inter player tried to react to a complicated health situation with his usual strength and irony. A prayer and a thought for his loved ones."
Before his death, which came 13 days after his 71st birthday, Bellugi reflected on the doctors' decision to amputate his legs.
He said: "They took off my leg with which I scored against Borussia Moenchengladbach.
"I will wear prostheses like those of (Oscar) Pistorius."
Bellugi's strike against Monchengladbach was the only goal he scored in his professional career.
Bellugi began his career with Inter Milan in 1969 and made 90 appearances for the Nerazzurri before joining Bologna in 1974,
The defender spent five years with the I Rossoblu before moving to Napoli, who he left in 1980 to end his career with Pistoiese.
Bellugi made a total of 32 appearances for his country from 1972 to 1980.
Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Association, said: “The news brings great pain to Italian football.
“Mauro was a hero. In addition to his skills on the pitch, I appreciated his human qualities and his extraordinary strength of mind, especially in this period of suffering.”
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