Eight days have passed since the passing of Gigi Riva, with all of Sardinia mourning its greatest champion. Today, through his Facebook page, the dedication of his son Nicola arrived. This is the full text:

«I want to start from this photo with you as a child, it's from at least 40 years ago but I remember the moment, the instant, the exact thought of that moment as of all the moments spent with you because unfortunately they weren't in my growth, but I understood dad, I was already more than aware that I would have to share you with many other people who loved you as much as me. Then one fine day something changed, probably the awareness that you were tired, that you had given everything, that perhaps you needed the tranquility of feeling the sense of family, the one that they took away from you too soon, the one that you had never experienced. Selfishly speaking, that was also a gift for me, us children, for your nephews and nieces and for all of us at home, knowing that we could have you all to ourselves whenever we wanted it and give you some well-deserved rest.

Now I'm here to thank the people, because I know you would have wanted to do it too, the people who remembered you, who participated with any gesture in your last farewell.

You told me that when as a boy you went to people's homes and saw your photo next to those of your family, you could never abandon them, betray them, here, dad, know that you could never have made a better choice, that we are proud of what you have chosen even more than what you did as a footballer. Your choice, dad, has been repaid abundantly in the form of love, esteem, respect and a place in the hearts of Sardinians that is unlikely to end.

It would be nice if you had also explained it to today's footballers, that money is not everything, that true and sincere love from people cannot be bought at any price but can be earned through honesty, respect, values, sincerity and a huge heart. You loved your people so much, they adopted you, gave you a family and they loved you so much! I have seen many people cry as if a child, a close relative or a sincere friend had gone away.

Dad, many have paid homage to you, from football to politics, because we need more of Gigi Riva in every sector. Real men, with values of few words but of great substance. Thanks Dad!"

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