Paris Saint-Germain and Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu has revealed he was close to two of the 129 victims killed in the Paris attacks on Friday.
Speaking to Italy's RAI television while on international duty in Bologna, Sirigu said the two men ran a restaurant that he and several of his teammates used to frequent.
"I've lost two lads who I knew very well," the 28-year-old said. "Two lads with Italian roots who ran their business with passion. Some of us, like [Marco] Verratti and Maxwell, were regulars at their restaurant and to lose two people who were part of our serenity off the football field is difficult to accept."
Sirigu was due to return to Paris on Wednesday after the conclusion of international duty, and he said life must go on as normal.
"I think France has responded in a dignified way," he said. "We need to continue doing the things we used to do -- training and playing and being close with our thoughts to those who are suffering.
"We must be united and reflect on certain things that go beyond football and daily life."
Sirigu played the final 20 minutes of Italy's 2-2 draw with Romania in Bologna on Tuesday night.