Watch: Former Bari and Livorno striker Igor Protti dies after long illness

Italian football on Friday was mourning the death of former striker Igor Protti after a long illness at the age of 58.

Protti had been battling against colon cancer for several months and his fight had drawn the admiration of the whole football fraternity in Italy.

The former striker had announced his illness in June last year, and a few months later he confirmed that his health condition was getting worse, and on Friday morning, his family announced that he had died.

“It is with profound sadness that the family announces that last night, Igor has left us,” the statement said.

“He wanted to leave you this farewell which we wanted to share: “This splendid voyage, like every match, has come to the final whistle. It is difficult to find words that can describe it. The only thing I can do is to thank my big and lovely family that has loved me so much.

“All the persons that loved me and stayed close to me, and I thank all the fans of clubs where I have played for the love and warmth shown to me which I always tried to show back.”

Protti had made his debut with his hometown club Rimini before moving to Messina where he played there for three years.

Protti made a name for himself with Bari where he managed to win the league top scorer title despite the fact that his club were relegated. He then moved to Lazio where he won the Super Cup.

Towards the end of his career he moved to Livorno where he formed a lethal partnership with Dario Hubner before hanging up his boots in 2003.