Gianluca Lapadula and the time he gave Pope Francis a T -shirt of the Peruvian National Team (Video)

This Monday, after knowing the death of Pope Francis at age 88, various figures of Peruvian sport expressed their regret for the departure of the first Latin American pontiff in history. Among them, Gianluca Lapadula and Juan Manuel Vargastwo referents of national football, paid tribute to the Supreme Pontiff through their social networks.

The striker of Spezia FCGianluca Lapadula, was one of the first Peruvian players to pronounce. In his official Instagram account, he shared a photograph of his personally giving him a T -shirt of the Peruvian National Team to Pope Francis, with the message: “Rest in peace”.

This emotional encounter took place December 23, 2021in the Vatican, during a special visit within the framework of the Bicentennial of Peru. On that occasion, the Blanquirroja attacker gave him an official shirt with his last name and the number ‘9’.

“In this year of the Bicentennial in Peru, where in the Vatican the Peruvian birth was held, I had the immense pleasure of being able to personally give the Pope a shirt of our selection. Thank you from the heart, Holy Father! It was a great emotion to see him and shake his hand!”Lapadula wrote at that time.

For its part, Juan Vargasformer player of the Peruvian National Team and figure remembered for his passage through the Fiorentina and University of Sports, he also published a farewell message on his social networks, highlighting Francisco’s spiritual and human legacy.

Pope Francis, fervent football fan and follower of San Lorenzo de Almagro, always maintained a special link with athletes and with the Latin American community.