Tottenham Hotspur fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has died at the age of 61, the club have announced.

The Italian joined the club alongside manager Antonio Conte in November 2021 as part of the Italian's backroom staff.

Spurs announced the news on Thursday morning, describing the coach as "loveable" and "hugely popular".

"We are devastated to announce that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The 61-year-old joined the club in November 2021, as part of Antonio Conte's backroom staff, having previously held roles at Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande and AC Ajaccio.

"As loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it, Gian Piero quickly became a hugely popular figure with players and staff.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone at the club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time."

Reports in Italy suggest that Ventrone, who was nicknamed 'The Marine', passed away after a battle with fulminant leukaemia.

Ventrone had previously worked alongside Conte as both a player and a head coach at Juventus. body check tags ::