FORMER Patrizio Billio, a player for AC Milan and Crystal Palace, died at the age of 48.
In the course of a lengthy career that saw him play for numerous clubs across Europe, the midfielder made his way to Selhurst Park in the late 1990s.
In the early 2000s, Billio also made appearances for the Scottish teams Dundee and Aberdeen.
He stopped working in 2010 and joined AC Milan again to lead their academy team in Kuwait.
On Twitter, Milan announced Billio’s tragic passing.
They said: “Yesterday Patrizio Billio left us prematurely, who grew up in our youth sector and has been the coach of our football school in Kuwait since 2011.
“The entire Rossoneri family clings to the pain of their loved ones. Rest in peace, Patrick.”
AC Milan’s Kuwait academy wrote on Instagram: “It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our head coach Patrizio Billio on Monday 23rd of January, 2023.
“Over the past 10 years, Mr. Billio has done a remarkable job in elevating the training standards at the AC Milan Academy in Kuwait.
“You will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences goes to Mr. Billio’s family.”
Billio was born in 1974, grew up in Milan, and entered the Rossoneri’s youth programme.
Before eventually departing the San Siro without making a senior appearance, he was loaned out to lower league Italian clubs like Monza and Verona.
In the 1997–98 season, Billio moved to Crystal Palace to play with his more seasoned and well-known compatriot Attilio Lombardo.
However, Palace would finish last in the standings that season after dropping 11 of its first 12 games from January to April.
Billio then spent the next four years in Scotland, first in Dundee and subsequently in Aberdeen.
After being attacked by a supporter during a practise, he departed Dundee in 2002.
Before quitting, Billio played for six more clubs in Italy.
