Italy footballer Davide Astori found dead

London [United Kingdom], March 4 (ANI): Italy international and ACF Fiorentina captain Davide Astori passed away at the age of 31 on Sunday.

Astori was staying in a hotel with his teammates ahead of their game with Udinese at the Stadio Friuli, which was subsequently called off, The Guardian reports.

"Fiorentina are profoundly shaken and forced to announce that their captain Davide Astori has died," the club said in a statement.

The statement further read, "For this terrible and delicate situation, and above all out of respect for his family, we appeal to the sensitivity of the media."

Astori, who made 14 appearances for Italy, joined Fiorentina in 2016 from Cagliari and had made 58 appearances for the club.

The defender enjoyed a 12-year career in Serie A league having started his career at AC Milan before joining Cagliari in 2008.

The football world was shocked by the footballer's sudden demise and expressed grievances on the social media.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Davide Astori who has passed away at the age of 31https://t.co/0jZmSbh8qU

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) March 4, 2018

A man who loved football and who grew up as footballer with us. #ACMilan are shocked by the passing of Davide #Astori. It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to his family and closed ones and to ACF Fiorentina

— AC Milan (@acmilan) March 4, 2018

Everyone at West Ham United is very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Davide Astori. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Davide at this difficult time.

— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) March 4, 2018

(ANI)