Former coach pays tribute to Joseph Perfection

Perfection’s death was confirmed on Monday morning – with former Roma player Antonio Rudiger among those to pay tribute to the Cameroon-born youngster.

Perfection was a member of Roma’s 2016-17 Primavera (Under-19 side), with whom he won the Supercoppa and Coppa Italia that year.

His coach, De Rossi, paid tribute to the youngster – who arrived in Italy as a teenager with nothing, before earning himself a youth contract with the Giallorossi.

“The news about Joseph’s untimely death has deeply saddened me,” De Rossi said.

“I will always remember his kindness, but also his great strength. He was a positive boy, he turned up to training every day with a smile and was always willing to put in the work.

“He fitted in well within the team, and got on well with everyone. He was always calm and I can’t ever remember him doing anything out of line.

“He had an incredible physique, but he didn’t just rely on his strength – he was a very technical player too. I want to remember him like that, like a friendly giant.

“At such a terrible time, my thoughts and those of my staff are with his family and those closest to him.”