Niccolò Galli (May 22, 1983—February 10, 2001)
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the death of Niccolo Galli, Some of you might ask, Who is Niccolo Galli?
Niccolò Galli (May 22, 1983—February 10, 2001) was a promising footballer who died in a road traffic accident aged 17.
The son of former Italian international goalkeeper Giovanni Galli, he began with his hometown club, Fiorentina, before moving to Arsenal in August 1999. He spent one year in London, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2000, returning to Italy to finish his studies. He was on loan with Bologna during this time. It was here that the young central defender’s career really started to take off, featuring in Serie A and being recognised by Italy’s youth teams, before he died. Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger and Head of Youth Development and Academy Director Liam Brady both praised the young defender and stated he would have been a certainty to make the Arsenal first team but for his untimely death.
The football training centre used by Bologna FC, in the neighbourhood of Casteldebole, is named after him; Bologna FC also retired his number 27 shirt.Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger and Head of Youth Development and Academy Director Liam Brady both praised the young defender and stated he would have been a certainty to make the Arsenal first team but for his untimely death.
I was lucky enough to see Niccolo play for the youth team at Arsenal. A tall cen
ter back who was composed on the ball and powerful in the air. Out of all the players on the pitch he stood out and showed class. I said at the time that this kid was special and he would one day captain the team. Whenever a young person is taken away its always sad and heartbreaking. But we on the goonerforum will never forget and we will remember and honour his name for years to come.
RIP Niccolo Galli
February 9, 2009 at 4:48 pm |
Sad….so young as well.
Niccolo Galli…..RIP
February 9, 2009 at 4:57 pm |
HERE HERE!!
February 9, 2009 at 5:01 pm |
100% agree, the lad would have become a legend.
It was devastating news when he died.
Let all true Gooners never forget him.
February 9, 2009 at 5:02 pm |
Let’s pray for Niccolo Galli. Sad thing.
February 9, 2009 at 5:02 pm |
I’ve heard his name before, and everyone at Arsenal speaks highly of him from what I’ve seen.
A sad loss for his family and the Gunners.
R.I.P
February 9, 2009 at 5:09 pm |
Wow, tragic.
I’m sad to say I didn’t know of him, but that was before the newsnow/gunnersyouthblog.com days.
R.I.P.
February 9, 2009 at 5:11 pm |
RIP young lad.
February 9, 2009 at 5:29 pm |
I remember that Geordie Armstrong, Niccolo and Rocky all died within a few months.
I saw Niccolo play on a couple of occasions and to die at 17 is too terrible to contemplate.
RIP Niccolo we haven’t forgotten you.
February 9, 2009 at 6:27 pm |
RIP
February 9, 2009 at 7:32 pm |
great post and a sad story. RIP
February 9, 2009 at 7:33 pm |
R.I.P
February 9, 2009 at 9:13 pm |
a thought is held !
February 9, 2009 at 9:28 pm |
and to think that rag the Sun once listed him on a list of failures that Wenger brought to the club.
I seen Galli play for the youth team and he was outstanding, was no doubt he would have gone to the top of the game if he had lived.
February 9, 2009 at 10:54 pm |
Thanks for reminding everyone! I saw him play many times for our youth team over in London Colney. He wasn’t particularly big, not the quickest or loudest on the pitch but he had incredible composure, assurance and read the game fantastically well. The ball was simply drawn to him. I’ve no doubt he would have made a great captain! Really tragic what happened, I hope the pain his family feel eases with each anniversary!
February 9, 2009 at 11:28 pm |
Thanks for that Theo
February 10, 2009 at 12:18 am |
Well said Theo and a good post. I’m glad to hear that he is remembered and it just proves that we as Gooners have to stick together. I have heard about him few times and I know he was very highly rated. It’s such a sad story, but I guess only the good die young and hopefully he has gone to a better place. You will always be remembered Niccolo, once a Gooner, always a Gooner, through sweet and bitter, through life and through death.
Rest in peace
February 10, 2009 at 4:59 pm |
RIP.