Bove ready to leave Roma to continue career abroad at age 23 after heart surgery

Edoardo Bove was at Stadio Olimpico to say goodbye, as he is negotiating the end of his Roma contract to continue his career abroad at Watford with a cardiac defibrillator.

Roma host Sassuolo this evening, you can follow all the action as it happens on the Liveblog.

Spotted in the stands with his girlfriend, Bove was saluted by the crowd, who chanted ‘One of us’ in his honour.

Bove ready for next chapter in career

The midfielder had the Calcio world holding its breath when he suddenly collapsed during Fiorentina’s game against Inter in December 2024.

He had surgery to give him an implanted cardiac defibrillator, which is a safety mechanism in case there are any further irregularities.

Although there are quite a few players with this medical equipment, none of them are allowed to play in Italy, as the rules outright ban athletes from using them.

This is why Christian Eriksen had to terminate his contract with Inter after cardiac arrest and similar surgery while playing for Denmark at EURO 2020.

Now Bove will go down a similar path, as while his loan spell at Fiorentina ended in June 2025, he remains under contract with Roma.

That deal will be terminated in the next few weeks and he can then try to continue his career abroad.

Bove is only 23 years old and came through the Roma youth academy, going on to play 77 Serie A appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists.