Emiliano Vigliante, one of the best players to have ever put on a Sydney University Football jersey, tragically passed away on Friday the 12th February.
Born in a city named Florida in Uruguay, Emi (as he was known to his friends) will be much remembered for his humble nature and electrifying football abilities. His shrug of the shoulders when unsure about something or simply pretending to not know what was going on, was a common Emi trademark according to those who knew him at Sydney University.
Having moved to Australia with his mum and two younger sisters in 2006, Emi joined forces with Bankstown City under George Fernandez for two seasons. There, much like at his time at Sydney University, the left-footed football maestro amazed fans with his remarkable skills.
His move to Sydney University in 2009 saw him score a staggering 23 goals between First Grade and U/20s, five of which came in just a single match. It was therefore no surprise when Emi got invited to train with the Sydney FC youth squad shortly after seasons end. However, he didnt stop there. After a few weeks with the youth side, Emi got his chance to train with Sydney FCs first grade team where he bonded well with striker, Alex Brosque.
Without a club for 2010 due to personal choices, Emi had his eyes set on a return to Sydney Uni. The deal to bring him back had been very close to being complete.
Very popular amongst his peers, Emi was always looked after by his teammates at Sydney University. According to head coach John Caruana, Emis goals seemed to stir up that little extra celebration from the other players.
Whenever Emi scored, all the boys, from the striker to the goalkeeper to those on the bench, would come up and congratulate him.
Everyone was always behind his success and extremely happy to know it was Emi who had scored once again, he said.
It was clear that Emi was dearly loved by everyone at Sydney University and his loss comes as a sad shock for everybody who knew him. In the words of Sydney University striker Christian Soares, today, Australia lost a special talent.
At times such as these when a loved one with endless potential is lost, it is hard to come to terms with the reality of the whole situation.
Sydney University and Football NSW are working together to help console those who Emi left behind, especially the Vigliante family.
Funeral dates have yet to be decided and will be known within the next few days.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Viglante family in this time of need.
Emi, may you rest in peace. You will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
Football NSW would like to pass on its deepest condolences to the Vigliante family.
-By Caetano Lima
Courtesy of www.footballnsw.com.au