Piermario Morosini's club Udinese to care for his sister Published duration 16 April 2012

image caption Both Morosini's parents died before he was 18

The club of Italian footballer Piermario Morosini, who died during a game on Saturday, will take care of his disabled sister, its captain says.

Antonio di Natale said Serie A side Udinese will provide lifelong financial aid to the sister.

She relied on Morosini for financial and emotional support since their parents died seven years ago.

Morosini, 25, died after having a heart attack during a match while on loan to Livorno.

"We know the situation of his sister and we as a team, the club, and Udinese for Life have decided to help her because she is in real need," Antonio "Toto" Di Natale told the club's TV channel. Udinese for Life is a medical charity linked to the club.

"It is essential that we stay at the side of Piermario's sister for her entire life. She needs us and we want to help, both for her and for Mario."

Both Morosini's parents died before he turned 18. Soon afterwards, his brother - also disabled - committed suicide.

'Full of life'

The midfielder collapsed on the pitch in the 31st minute while playing in Livorno's Serie B game at Pescara.

He was taken to to hospital, where doctors tried unsuccessfully for 30 minutes to revive him.

"When I saw the scene on the TV it was immediately clear that it was something serious. It was a very bad moment," Di Natale said.

"He was an exceptional lad, so full of life. Despite all the problems he had, he was always at the disposal of the team and every day he gave us all strength."