Batistuta, You are number 1

Italian version

Batistuta, One goal to be part of Fiorentina's history

A very important goal, a goal that will help Fiorentina in the Italian Championship, important too to those babies to be born in the two thousand when they will hear about that champion of the long flowing hair, with a heart of gold and dynamite feet. But was the goal really needed? Needed for him to be in the heart of the "Viola" fans, certainly not, because Bati is already a legend, a myth, along side Antognoni, now manager of Fiorentina.

Echoing that big heart of the Fiorentina fans is that of the Argentinian striker. Yesterday Batistuta was bombarded with hundreds of telephone calls from Israel, Argentina and other parts of the world asking for the message Bati showed in his shirt while celebrating his goal. The message read as follows:

Batistuta You are number 1

Bati's name was written in Hebrew. This elicited lots of curiosity. The Argentine champion only said that it was personal, that he would appreciate if we respect his wish to keep this for himself.

His manager Settimio Aloisio, told us:

"This was something very personal, something that came from Batistuta's heart."

It was Mr. Aloisio who told us of all the calls Bati have been receiving from around the world, even from Israel's Cultural Affairs. He also told us that Batistuta met Anthony, who is a boy of twelve, two years ago while playing with Argentina's National Team in Israel. Anthony's father contacted everyone that could be of help for his son, suffering of leukemia, to meet his idol Batistuta.

Since then Anthony and Batistuta has maintained communication either by phone or mail. Anthony came to "Firenze" on Friday. It was a very special and moving reunion that of Batistuta and Anthony. Batistuta took Anthony to dinner along with his sons. It was here that the little "tifoso" complimented the great champion with this special shirt. A very moved Batistuta accepted the gift and said:

"I will wear it now and if I score I will show it".

He kept his word, he scored. Anthony was at the Franchi Stadium, he was able to rejoice twice, seeing his idol score and knowing that that special shirt brought luck to his champion. At the end of the match, Batistuta went looking for his young friend to whom he gave a very big, big hug.

Note: this article was published after the Fiorentina vs Milan match on Dec 5, '99

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