A festive, yet emotional ceremony. This was the unveiling of the mural dedicated to Gigi Riva and the Scudetto-winning Cagliari Calcio, in Piazzale Campioni d'Italia '69/'70, in Sestu, on Thursday morning.

Nicola Riva, Gigi's son, was immortalized on that wall; the mayor and other councilors and aldermen were there, as were Giorgia Argiolas, representing Cagliari Calcio, the Cagliari Calcio di Sestu club, and many schoolchildren. The work depicts Riva, the other champions of the time, and game action, all in red and blue.

“Sport is also about remembering the people who have shaped our history; it's culture, and it's important to pass it on to our kids,” said Mayor Paola Secci.

The work, commissioned by the Municipality, was created last July by artist Andrea Ferru, while his brother Alessandro restored the wall, where previously there had been other faded murals. "While we were working, there was always someone who came to compliment us, to offer us a drink," Andrea Ferru recalled gratefully. "What struck me most was Riva's humility, his attachment to this land, which welcomed him with open arms."

Nicola Riva was greeted like a star by the children, who commented: "Dad and the others have truly accomplished a great feat, something that is part of Sardinian history, not just football history. I'll take my daughters to see this mural."

Cagliari Calcio president Maurizio Meloni thanked everyone before reading the names of the players from that legendary team, his voice slightly cracked by tears as he remembered those who are no longer with us.

"We need more days like this, to remember the greats of sport and the right values, especially today, when everything seems governed solely by economic interests," said Mario Alberto Serrau, Councilor for Social Policies and Sport.

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