Xico (footballer) - Torino Honorary Guest

Torino Honorary Guest

Ferruccio Novo, Grande Torino president, was an admirer of Xico's abilities, and after the Italy-Portugal game played in Genoa in 1949, the two became friends. In Xico Ferreira's tribute game, the five-time Italian champions were invited as honorary guests (May 3, 1949). Benfica won by 4-3, but this victory had a bitter ending for Xico, SL Benfica, and the football world as no one could have predicted the tragic events that would result after the match. On the return home, the plane that transported all the players and staff of the Grande Torino squad crashed. Due to fog, the pilot crashed against one of the towers of the Basilica of Superga resulting in the death of all the passengers.

This incident would crush Xico, since he was invited to go to Italy to discuss his future. In order to alleviate his conscience he sent 50 contos (250 Euros) to the families of those who died, and on his personal trophy room he put a picture with a black frame of the Grande Torino team.