Great Gesture! Fiorentina to renew Davide Astori's contract to support the family of club's late captain

Fiorentina will renew late captain Davide Astori's contract in order to support his family following his death on Sunday.

The 31-year-old was found dead in his hotel room in Udine, hours before his team were due to face Udinese in a fixture.

No cause of death has yet been identified with Italian prosecutors opening an investigation into the possibility it was linked to manslaughter.

Initial reports suggested that Astori had passed way of natural causes.

Club president Andrea Della Valle revealed he had been due to sign a new contract on Monday, and Lega Calcio special commissioner Giovanni Malago has confirmed that agreement will be honoured.

'It is something we all appreciate a lot and a sign of huge sensitivity by the Della Valle family,' Malago said.

'They decided to renew Astori's contract and the money will support Davide's family. It's very honourable of them to take such a decision.

'Thanks to Diego [Della Valle] and Andrea and thanks to [Fiorentina executive chairman] Mario Cognigni. They really did a nice action.'

Astori has left behind long-term partner Francesca Fioretti and their two-year-old daughter Vittoria.

His funeral will be held on Thursday at Florence's Basilica di Santa Croce.

-Dailymail