Edoardo Bove approaches with a bright smile and a resilient spirit after surviving a cardiac arrest. “I started a new life,” the 23-year-old Watford midfielder declares. “I don’t regret anything because it made me stronger. I’ve never been scared about dying.”
At Watford’s training ground, Bove rebuilds a promising career that includes two European finals and over 70 Serie A appearances. Once hailed by Jose Mourinho as a “sick dog” for his fierce style at Roma, Bove emerged as one of Italy’s top young talents.
The Sudden Collapse
Sixteen months ago, Bove’s world shattered during a Fiorentina match against Inter Milan. He collapsed on the pitch, writhing in agony as teammates reacted in shock. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital within 13 minutes.
“The last thing I remember is when I went down,” Bove recalls. “I woke up in hospital without knowing what happened. I thought I’d been in a car accident.” Before the incident, “I felt like a superhero.” Doctors initially warned he might never play football again, leading to dark days of uncertainty.
Implantable Device and Move to England
After 12 days in the hospital, Bove received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in his upper chest to monitor and correct heart rhythms. Serie A rules prohibit such devices, forcing him to leave Italy for second-tier Watford in January.
Bove lifts his shirt to reveal a several-centimeter scar. “I got a new friend in my body,” he says with a tender smile. “The first month, you struggle sleeping on the side. It changes your physique. When you see yourself changed in the mirror it can be painful—but for me it wasn’t.” At 22 during the ordeal, he views it as a perfect age for maturity and recovery energy.
Mourinho’s Vital Support
Jose Mourinho contacted Bove immediately after the incident, reaching his parents when Bove couldn’t respond. “He cares about every player he has trained,” Bove notes. “I have an unbelievable relationship with him. Mourinho is a very important person for me and my family.”
Settling in England and On-Field Return
Bove selected Watford for their strong medical support and connection with sporting director Gianluca Nani. Known for tenacious training, multilingual skills (Italian, English, German), and darts prowess, he debuted emotionally against Preston on Valentine’s Day—440 days post-arrest—making eight appearances.
He started at QPR on Good Friday but earned a card while building fitness. Against Wrexham, Bove scored in stoppage time for a 3-1 win, leaping into fans’ arms. “It was like closing a big circle,” he reflects.
Off-Pitch Passions and Friendships
During his year away, Bove pursued economics studies, nature photography, and fashion. Vanity Fair featured him on its cover, and Dolce & Gabbana hosted him as a guest. Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori, a fellow style enthusiast, aids his London adjustment. “I’m so happy he’s here,” Bove says.
He also bonds with tennis star Flavio Cobolli from Roma’s academy, retaining analytical habits from tennis. Christian Eriksen, who survived a 2021 cardiac arrest, provides inspiration.
A Transformed Outlook
Bove’s journey fosters pride and openness. “Sometimes when I think about the past, it makes me emotional. But at the same time it makes me proud,” he says. “I turned a tough moment into an opportunity. I have a different perspective. If you are not open-minded, you lose something about life.” Gazing over Hertfordshire’s fields, he affirms: “I’m happy.”
