Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli said he was "upset and speechless" when told that his former teammate Piermario Morosini died during an Italian league game, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Monday.
"I couldn't believe it and thought it was a terrible joke," Balotelli said. "He was a great lad, a really great lad."
Balotelli played alongside Morosini for the Italian Under-21 team.
The Livorno midfielder, on loan from Udinese, collapsed and died Saturday during a Serie B game at Pescara.
All Italian soccer fixtures were abandoned as the country mourned the 25-year-old.
"It's a terrible event and makes you reflect on your own existence," Balotelli added. "It teaches you to appreciate life and to live it with care and dignity."
An autopsy will be held Monday to determine whether Morosini's death was cerebral or cardiac.
