An infinite love, but without spectacularization . Nicola Riva, son of the great Gigi, distances himself from the motion approved by the Cagliari City Council that proposes to dedicate a week of events to the memory of “Rombo di Tuono” . He does so with clear, precise and heartfelt words, entrusted to social media, underlining that such a long celebration does not reflect the values of the father or those of the family.
"The week dedicated to him was organized only once, a few months after his death on what would have been his eightieth birthday, to allow those who loved him to share their memory. But it was unique and will remain so," Nicola wrote on Facebook, drawing a clear line between the right tribute and what, according to him and his brother Mauro, risks becoming excessive.
No refusal to memory, on the contrary . Riva's children are open to the idea of a special moment, but one that is contained and significant: «A day could be a nice thing, perhaps to dedicate to children and schools, but a whole week would not be in line with the principles of dad and ours».
And if we're talking about celebration, then there's a date that would be perfect: April 12, the day of Cagliari's iconic Scudetto. "Dad always liked to include his teammates, and this would be the right date," adds Nicola.
Giorgio Pitzianti, director from Cagliari and organizer of the “Gigi Riva Football Week” last November, also aligns himself with the family’s position : «With Nicola and Mauro, maximum sharing and harmony: the Gigi Riva Football Week was one and will not be repeated».
The risk is to transform an authentic memory into an excessive celebration. Gigi Riva has always embodied humility, team spirit, and a love for football without frills . And perhaps, to truly respect his memory, one day is enough, lived in the purest way: speaking about him to kids, in schools, transmitting those values that made him eternal.
Also timely was the clarification from councilor Nando Secchi, who explained : «The motion approved unanimously by the Cagliari City Council does not provide for a week of events but only one day (November 7 or a date in the week of November 7) in which actions to remember the figure of Gigi Riva will be evaluated. The hypotheses are to organize meetings with the younger generations, school groups, cultural and sports events».
And he adds: «There could also be the possibility, as declared by Mayor Massimo Zedda, to reward the most deserving and needy students with scholarships» .