Fiorentina statement appears to confirm Davide Astori gesture was a hoax

Unfortunately, it looks like those reports about the late Davide Astori were a hoax.

Fiorentina captain David Astori died in his sleep on Sunday at the age of 31. His funeral will take place in Florence on Thursday. Shortly after the sad news of his passing was confirmed, a story began circulating online that the club had extended his contract and donated the salary to his partner Francesca and their two-year-old daughter Vittoria. Serie A Commissioner Malagò even congratulated Fiorentina for the gesture during a press conference, but sadly, it appears as though it was a hoax. Respected Italian soccer writer Tancredi Palmeri has tweeted that the story was fabricated by social media account Troll Football India. https://twitter.com/tancredipalmeri/status/970806038252457985 Not long after the reports began doing the rounds, Fiorentina released a brief statement on their official website entitled, "Only silence and respect to honour the memory of Davide."

“Fiorentina, still under shock in this tragic moment, ask for silence and respect, on behalf of everybody.”

The club subsequently confirmed that they would be marking Astori's memory by retiring the number 13 jersey. Cagliari Calcio will also no longer use the shirt out of respect. The defender played 10 seasons of football between both clubs. https://twitter.com/acffiorentina/status/970939765641154560