Roma mourn Sensi death

Roma President Franco Sensi has died this evening at the age of 82, failing to battle against a long-term illness.

Sensi became owner of his beloved club in November 1993, and during his 15-year presidency he oversaw the club's third Scudetto win in 2001 under coach Fabio Capello.

In 2004, due to his illness, Sensi handed the control of the day-to-day running of the club to his daughter Rosella and he took the role of Honorary President.

The club also won two Italian Super Cups (2001 and 2007), and two Coppa Italia trophies (2007 and 2008) during Sensi's reign.

He was admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome for respiratory problems, but passed away quietly during the night. He leaves behind his wife Maria and daughter Rosella.

The club, who are due to play Inter in the SuperCoppa final next weekend, and Giallarossi fans worldwide will be mourning the loss of one of the most renowned and respected figures in Italian football.

Rival clubs including Lazio, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan, along with the Italian Football Federation and the Italian Olympic Committee, have all paid tribute to him on their official websites tonight.

Source: Reuters