Fiorentina star Edoardo Bove breaks social media silence with emotional post after collapsing on pitch

EDOARDO BOVE has broken his silence in an emotional post after collapsing on the pitch earlier this month.

The 22-year-old Fiorentina star collapsed during a Serie A game with Inter Milan on December 1.

The midfielder had suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital.

Fortunately, Bove has been nursed back to health by doctors and nurses before being released from hospital last Friday.

And taking to social media on Monday morning, the on-loan Roma ace penned a lengthy statement updating fans of his condition.

In the post, which are his first public comments since the collapse, he said: "It's in moments like these that I understand how genuine this sport truly is and how, beyond the results, competition and rivalries, we are all connected.

"Connected by a bond that, once created, grows stronger during challenging times becoming almost unbreakable.

"I have experienced it firsthand in these last few days: the affection I've received, the warmth of the fans, the support from team-mates and opponents and the closeness of the ENTIRE football world gave me incredible strength and courage.

"I felt surrounded by positive energy, which helped me stay calm and not feel the loneliness that often comes with situations like this."

However, like then-Inter Milan midfielder Christian Eriksen was not allowed to following his collapse during Euro 2020, Bove will not be allowed to continue playing in Italy if he needs a defibrillator for his heart.

Italian league rules prohibit stars from playing with a defibrillator.

Bove added: "I'm feeling good and that's the most important thing!

"See you soon... On the pitch!"

Supporters of the club showed off a stunning tifo in honour of Bove in the days after the collapse, showing a banner with the No.4 - his kit number - while others held scarves aloft to express their support.