Gigi Riva, an icon of Italian football, marked an era with his number eleven on his shirt. Despite his passing last January in Cagliari, his memory lives on in the places and people who knew him. The city, in fact, preserves numerous tributes to the footballer, from the renovated Sant’Elia stadium that will bear his name, to the mural that celebrates him in front of the Amsicora, to the restaurants and streets that were the backdrop to his life.
In particular, a restaurant in the Marina has decided to always keep a free seat for him, becoming almost an obligatory stop for tourists and journalists who follow Cagliari. The inhabitants of Cagliari are proud to share anecdotes about casual encounters with Riva: a handshake or a selfie can turn into memorable stories.
Nicola Riva, son of the former footballer, said that Gigi did not like to be the center of attention. Even on the occasion of awards or birthdays, he preferred to stay on the sidelines. However, his birthday was special: his phone rang incessantly because he answered everyone’s calls, even those he did not know. Birthdays were an intimate moment for the Riva family. Nicola remembers how every year it was an opportunity to gather with loved ones and celebrate together. “It was always an important day for us,” says Nicola, “I don’t even remember a birthday of Dad’s spent alone.”
In recent days, Nicola has actively participated in events dedicated to the memory of Gigi Riva. Between hugs and shared stories, he listens with emotion to the stories of the people who had the opportunity to know his father.
“I am moved by the personal anecdotes - Nicola confides - those that link dad’s life to the Sardinian community. These memories go beyond football; they express a deep love that transcends the world of sport”. This celebration is not only a tribute to Riva’s sporting career but also a testimony to the special bond between the man and his city.
As Cagliari continues to commemorate Gigi Riva through events and community initiatives, it is clear that his impact goes beyond football statistics. His legacy lives on in the hearts of the people and in local traditions. The love for Riva will always be present in future generations, testifying to the importance of the figure of this great champion in the history of Italian football and Sardinian culture.
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