Tottenham fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone passes away

Ventrone reportedly passed away in hospital in Naples on Thursday

Tottenham fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away at the age of 61, the club have confirmed. Ventrone joined Spurs last year, as part of Antonio Conte's backroom staff. He had previously held positions with Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande and AC Ajaccio. 'As loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it, Gian Piero quickly became a hugely popular figure with players and staff, a brief statement from Spurs said. 'He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.' https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1577946875927429120 According to reports, Ventrone passed away from fulminant leukemia, having been ill for a short time. Reports in Italy say he died in hospital in Naples. Known in his homeland as 'The Marine' due to the intensity of the training regimes he subjected his players to, Ventrone first worked with Conte during his time as a player at Juventus. He was a popular member of staff with Spurs' players, despite his punishing fitness sessions. As recently as last month, he was seen on the pitch congratulating Son Heung-min after his hat-trick against Leicester in the Premier League. More to follow..