“What a player and goal scorer”.
Former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United defender Paul McGrath has paid tribute to Italy and Inter Milan legend Toto Schillaci, just hours after the news broke of his passing.
The former Juventus striker was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022, but made a full recovery after undergoing treatment.
Earlier this month he had been hospitalised with atrial arrhythmia. His family announced this morning that he passed away overnight at the age of 59.
Tributes have been pouring in for the Italia 90 golden boot winner, and the latest message came from a player he inflicted torment on on a hot summer’s night in Rome 34 years ago.
Irish football fans will remember Schillaci as the man who ended the country’s best ever run in a major tournament when his winning goal in the 1990 World Cup quarter-final knocked the Boys in Green out of the competition.
Legendary centre-back Paul McGrath looked on helplessly as the Palermo native shot the ball past Packie Bonner in the 38th minute of the game, knocking Jack Charlton’s team out of the competition.
Sharing a photo of Schillaci on social media, McGrath wrote: “So sad to hear the passing of Italy’s Toto Schillaci, what a player and goal scorer. RIP #respect.”
So sad to hear the passing of Italy’s Toto Schillaci, what a player and goal scorer. RIP #respect pic.twitter.com/EHZzZnH3Tb
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) September 18, 2024
Schillaci was the top scorer at Italia 90, scoring six goals. After the excitement of 1990, Schillaci scored only one more goal for Italy and did not appear for them at any other major tournaments.
He retired from football in 1999 after a spell in Japan’s J League.
In a statement posted to their website, Juventus paid tribute to their former star forward.
“We immediately fell in love with Toto. His desire, his story, his being so wonderfully passionate, and it showed in every game he played,” they wrote.
“We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before – in that incredible summer of 1990 – the whole of Italy did, captivated by those wonderfully energetic celebrations of his.”
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In their tribute to their former talisman, Inter Milan wrote: “He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia 90.”
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