Edoardo Bove recently revealed that Jose Mourinho went to considerable lengths to contact his parents following Bove’s alarming cardiac arrest in 2024. The footballer also shared his reflections on the profound shift from feeling invincible on the pitch to facing the possibility that his career was over.
Bove has achieved a remarkable return to full health after suffering a serious cardiac arrest on the field during the first half of a Serie A match between Inter and Fiorentina on December 1, 2024.
At the time, the former Roma talent was on loan with Fiorentina when he suddenly collapsed during the game. He was immediately transported to the hospital, admitted to intensive care, and subsequently had a removable internal defibrillator device implanted.
While the presence of the defibrillator prevents Bove from playing professionally in Italy, the regulations in the United Kingdom are more flexible regarding heart conditions and implanted devices. This regulatory difference enabled him to resume his career in the UK, much like Christian Eriksen, who, after his cardiac arrest at EURO 2020, had to leave Inter but was later allowed to play for Brentford and then Manchester United in the Premier League.
Bove’s journey ultimately led him to Watford, where he has since made eight league appearances.
Bove on the Cardiac Arrest, His Comeback at Watford, and His Special Connection with Mourinho
In an interview with MailOnline, Bove discussed the turbulent period of the last 18 months.
“The last thing I remember is falling down. I woke up in the hospital with no idea what had occurred. I initially thought I’d been in a car accident,” Bove recounted.
“Before it happened, I felt like I was a superhero. Then they told me I might not play football again. There were incredibly difficult days where everything felt overwhelming,” he admitted. “It was tough, but it became a crucial part of my journey. I’m content with how it unfolded, and I feel I’ve learned more this past year than from anything I’d experienced before.”
During his interview, Bove lifted his shirt to demonstrate what having a defibrillator implanted looks like.
“For the first month, sleeping on your side is a struggle. It changes your physique. Seeing yourself altered in the mirror can be upsetting – but for me, it wasn’t. I’ve never been disappointed,” he explained. “I consider myself incredibly fortunate that this occurred at a perfect age, 22. I was mature enough to understand its true meaning, yet still possessed the energy and resilience of a young person.”
Bove also shared that his former Roma coach, Jose Mourinho, took exceptional measures to get in touch during his hospitalization, especially when Bove was unable to respond to calls or messages from his own phone.
“He genuinely cares about every player he’s trained, some more than others!” Bove remarked. “He wrote to me first, but since I couldn’t reply to anyone, he obtained my parents’ contact number. I have an unbelievable relationship with him. Mourinho is a profoundly important figure for both me and my family.”
“Sometimes, reflecting on the past makes me emotional, but at the same time, it fills me with pride,” Bove concluded. “It was a lengthy period, but I transformed a challenging moment into an opportunity. I now have a different outlook on life. If you’re not open-minded, you miss out on something essential about living. I’m truly happy.”
