«Gigi Riva, also known as “Rombo di Tuono”, was not only one of the greatest strikers in the history of Italian football and his national team, but he became a symbol for the entire island of Sardinia. He won the hearts of all Italians thanks to his goals and his humility and humanity. Despite being born outside Sardinia, he managed to create a special bond with the entire Sardinian people. During his thirteen years as a player for Cagliari Calcio, Gigi Riva contributed significantly to the victory of the first and only rossoblù scudetto in the 1969-1970 season. This success made Riva's Cagliari one of the strongest teams in the history of Italian football."

With these words, the mayor of Elmas and group leader in the regional council of the Green-Left Alliance , Laura Orrù, publicly launches the proposal to name the Cagliari-Elmas Airport - already named after Mario Mameli, a pilot and lieutenant from Cagliari in the Air Force - to football legend Gigi Riva , who died in February this year and would have turned 80 in November.

« The idea , also stimulating for the leaders of Enac and Sogaer , was born after listening to the idea of many towns and citizens of Elmas and the vast area of Cagliari» explains Orrù.
The first citizen intends to involve, with a resolution, the municipal council of Elmas to be then shared with Cagliari and the other municipalities and, through a motion, all the colleagues of the regional council, to start the process of the new naming of the most important infrastructure transport sector in Sardinia which will also depend on the will of ENAC and the ministries involved.

«Gigi Riva was a man of his word and of healthy values - underlines the first citizen of Elmas -. He repeatedly refused the opportunity to play for Juventus and receive millionaire wages so as not to betray what he called "his people". His integrity and dedication to the team and community have made his bond with Sardinia special and unbreakable. In short it represents passion, dedication and love for sport and for Sardinia. his figure goes beyond the confines of the playing field and is an unforgettable icon not only for football fans but for all Sardinians and beyond. His moral stature represents a concrete factor of social redemption for the whole of Sardinia, but above all it is a name that unites everyone without divisions".

The document that will be submitted to fellow regional councilors asks for a commitment from the President of the Region and the Regional Council to implement all actions aimed at allowing the attribution of the name "Gigi Riva" to the Cagliari-Elmas airport.

(Unioneonline/vl)

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