Edoardo Bove breaks silence on terrifying collapse that led to heart surgery as Fiorentina midfielder drops hint over miraculous return

Bove collapsed on the pitch during Fiorentina's clash with Inter Milan in terrible scenes in Serie A. Players were left visibly distraught by the incident at the start of December and the match was postponed. Bove was rushed to hospital by ambulance and placed under sedation in intensive care. The Fiorentina star has since undergone heart surgery to implant a defibrillator and been able to return home after two weeks in hospital.

Bove has since been able to return to Fiorentina to see his team-mates at the training ground. The midfielder was given a hero's welcome, with players and staff overjoyed to see the 22-year-old back at the club and in good health. Bove has now spoken out about his collapse and revealed the "incredible strength and courage" he took from the support shown by the football world.

He wrote on Instagram: "The unpleasant episode that occurred during Fiorentina-Inter proved to me, even more than I thought, that football is much more than a match, a championship or a career. I am truly grateful to belong to this world and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the affection and closeness you have shown me! I'm fine and that's the most important thing! The affection I received, the warmth of the fans, the support from my teammates and opponents, the closeness of the WHOLE world of football was something that gave me incredible strength and courage. I felt surrounded by a positive energy that allowed me to remain calm, not to feel the loneliness that is often present in this type of difficulty. I would like us all to commit ourselves not to forget the true essence of our sport, not to let ourselves be overshadowed too much by its commercial side and not to take its authentic spirit for granted. See you soon... on the pitch!"

Bove's words suggest he is keen to continue his career but it remains to be seen where he will play. He is unable to play in Italy after being fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) due to current Serie A rules.