Footballer dies at 24 after falling in canal on holiday as police investigation is launched

FOOTBALLER Gabriele Gallani has tragically died while on holiday with friends in Amsterdam.

The Italian, 24, who captained ASD Piccardo Traversetolo, drowned on Friday night after falling into a canal and was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.

FacebookGabriele Gallani has passed away aged 24[/caption]

The police have launched an investigation and want any witnesses to come forward with information.

CCTV footage is being examined by the Dutch cops.

The fifth-tier footballer had been with a group of pals in the Dutch capital and was walking at the back in the Kloveniersburgwal district, according to reports in Italy.

His friend, Luca Ugolotti, is then believed to have noticed that the footballer was in the water and in distress.

Gallani’s club has paid tribute to him in a statement that praised his leadership of the team.

It read: “A silent leader on the pitch. An example for his teammates. A guy with a kind and respectful soul.

“We will carry you forever in our hearts. Bye Gabri.

“It’s hard to find the words for what happened, maybe the right ones are HELLO and THANK YOU but we don’t know.

“You arrived when you were a kid, the only thing we can do right now is keep your memory alive within us. Needless to add anything else at the moment. Hello Gallo.”

Club owner Luca Prampolini added: “He was strong and had an excellent personality.

“He knew how to talk and got along with everyone.

“He didn’t drink, smoke or take drugs: he was an athlete and knew how to swim very well.”

Gallani also studied engineering alongside his football career at the University of Parma.

He was set to present a thesis for his master’s degree next week and was about to start an internship at car manufacturer Lamborghini.