Bove: Emotional Fiorentina Exit After Cardiac Arrest

Edoardo Bove has penned an emotional farewell message to Fiorentina, their supporters and the city of Florence almost 10 months on from his frightening cardiac arrest, which has kept him out of the game since the troubling scenes in the Serie A match against Inter in December 2024.

The Serie A match between Fiorentina and Inter on December 1, 2024, was halted not long after kick-off when Bove collapsed to the floor off the ball and appeared to lose consciousness.

The 23-year-old, who had been on loan at Fiorentina with an option to buy from Roma at the time, was rushed to hospital, was briefly admitted to intensive care, and later had a defibrillator device fitted.

FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 23: Edoardo Bove of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Udinese at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 23, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Bove has since made a miraculous return to full health, but strict rules and regulations surrounding cardiac issues in Italy means that continuing his career in Serie A has not yet been possible.

He will not be able to play in Italy’s top flight with a defibrillator device, but may be able to do so abroad, similarly to Christian Eriksen, who joined Brentford after leaving Inter following his cardiac arrest in 2021.

FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 4: Fans of ACF Fiorentina with banner of Edoardo Bove of ACF Fiorentina during the Coppa Italia match between ACF Fiorentina and Empoli FC at Artemio Franchi on December 4, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

At the time of the medical emergency, Bove had been on loan at Fiorentina with an option to buy from Roma. That loan deal has since expired, and Fiorentina have not exercised their option to buy, which means that Bove remains a Roma player, even if he is not able to make an impact on the pitch.

The former Italy youth international visited Viola Park earlier this week to say goodbye to some of his former colleagues, and has since posted a message to the supporters on his social media platforms.

“Dear ACF Fiorentina, Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Bove wrote. “You were there for me through the most difficult time of my life and I will never forget that. We tried, by all means. I like to think, however, that our story together doesn’t end here.

“Dear Fiorentini, In such a short time, you managed to occupy a special place in my heart. I will always carry your unconditional love with me. Our warrior spirit will never be tamed.

“Dear Florence, I arrived at a point of weakness, and you immediately made me feel at home. Then I fell and you gave me the strength to rise. I’m forever grateful.”