The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
A player nicknamed God’s Left Foot
Mario Corso’s skill on the football pitch was so admired by fans that they gave him the nickame God’s Left Foot.
The legendary Italian player is now being mourned by supporters worldwide following his death, aged 78.
Corso was born on August 25 1941 in Verona, making his football debut at the age of 16.
The winger went on to have a successful career playing for Inter Milan from 1957 to 1973, scoring 75 goals in 413 games. The star became a staple at the club by perfecting the “knuckleball” free kick.
During his legendary career, Corso represented Italy 23 times and competed in the World Cup. He won Serie A four times with Inter Milan and lifted both European and International cups twice.
Inter Milan took to social media to pay tribute to the “eternal champion” who died in hospital following a brief illness.
They wrote: “Mario Corso, Inter player, eternal champion with infinite class has passed away.
“With his left he enchanted the world in a team that marked an era. The thoughts and affection of all of us go to the family.”
Corso also played with Genoa from 1973 to 1975, scoring three goals in 26 games. Former Inter Milan defender Iván Córdoba posted a photo of the pair on Instagram describing him as a “great man, friend and confidant.” He said: “Dear Mario,youhavebeenavery special person to all of us. You were a great champion and especially a great man, friend and confidant. We will always remember you with great affection.”
Officials from football governing body Fifa also described him as one of the country’s “best-ever wingers”.
They said: “Mario Corso took knuckleball free kicks long before they were en vogue.
“He had God’s left foot.”