• Juventus beat Tottenham to reach the last eight of the Champions League 
  • Defender Giorgio Chiellini was pictured in tears ahead of kick-off on Wednesday 
  • Chiellini was close friends with the late Fiorentina captain Davide Astori
  • Astori passed away last weekend after a ‘sudden illness’ in the team hotel 

By Tom Farmery For Mailonline

Published: 22:46 GMT, 7 March 2018 | Updated: 22:55 GMT, 7 March 2018

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini held back the tears on Wednesday night as he was asked about his late friend Davide Astori.

Chiellini, who had minutes earlier walked off the Wembley pitch after Juventus beat Tottenham in the Champions League, struggled with his emotions as he was interviewed on BT Sport.

Asked about Astori, who passed away at the weekend due to a sudden illness, Chiellini said: ‘We dedicate him not only this match but every mind in this day. I have cried many times, because he was fantastic player, and it is difficult because we have to think about the game. 

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini struggled to control his emotions after Wednesday's game

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini struggled to control his emotions after Wednesday’s game

‘He is always in our heart, and tomorrow we go to give the last ciao together with our team mates.’

Chiellini was close friends with the former Fiorentina captain. The pair also played for the Italy national team for six years.

Chiellini said Astori, who died aged 31, will always be in his heart.

He added: ‘It is difficult, but we have to continue with our lives. It is important with the national team, in our heart, to always bring his positive emotion and his smile. We would like to continue his smile in our heart.’ 



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