The Grinta is no more. Jason Di Tullio, assistant coach of CF Montreal, succumbed to his brain cancer. The club made the announcement Friday morning.
Posted at 8:55 a.m.
Updated at 9:16 a.m.
Di Tullio had been battling grade 4 glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, for more than a year.
“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, colleagues and former teammates,” wrote CF Montreal on Twitter. #LAGR7INTA forever. »
“We join in the immense pain that this departure arouses among Montreal soccer fans,” continues the club. This sports enthusiast leaves to mourn his teammates, as well as the countless players he inspired through his duties as coach and assistant coach. »
Her mother Giulia Garofano announced her death on her Instagram account early Friday morning. The Soccer Quebec federation says it learned of his death Thursday evening, “with great sadness”.
Wilfried Nancy’s deputy was appointed to this post in March 2021. His diagnosis of cancer fell the following June. During his interview with The Press in December 2021, he said he underwent two operations to remove all visible traces of the cancer.
“But the problem with this cancer is that it often comes back,” he explained.
Jason Di Tullio was also a defender for the Montreal Impact, from 2002 to 2007. Throughout his career with the Montreal club, he marked teammates and coaches, notably through his strength of character. Hence its nickname “La Grinta”, an Italian expression used in the field of sport which means intensity and combativeness in the face of hardship.
“Very sad day, wrote Hassoun Camara on Twitter. We love you. »
“Jason was an example of courage and resilience,” said former goaltender Greg Sutton. He was a great friend and teammate. Anyone lucky enough to meet Jason walked away with a smile on their face. He will be missed, but we will never forget him. »
“You fought like a champion as you have always fought in life,” recalls former Impact Rocco Placentino on Instagram. Rest in peace, my brother. »
More details to come.