Former Cagliari midfielder Andrea Capone was found dead aged 43 at the 5-star Palazzo Tirso Hotel in his native Italy on Sunday.
After growing up in the city, Capone would go on to graduate from the club's academy before becoming a regular feature in the Serie A side's midfield in the 2000s.
Capone's promise was such that the club issued him the No 10 shirt that had been retired after Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola hung up his boots at the Sardinian club the previous season.
A statement from the Serie A club paid tribute to their former player.
It read: 'All of Cagliari Calcio learns with dismay and deep sadness the news of the passing of Andrea Capone, who died at just 43 years of age.
'The bond with his land will remain impossible to undermine, for a boy who has always been known for his professionalism, dedication and passion.
'Qualities that will remain in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him, meet him on and off the field. Cagliari Calcio joins the family in this moment of great pain.'
Reports from local outlet L'Unione Sarda claim Capone had spent the previous night in the hotel after attending a friend's party.
He was found dead in his room on Sunday morning, with emergency services reportedly noting that he had suffered a wound to his head which may have contributed to his passing.
After leaving his boyhood club the Italian youth international went on trial with Celtic and played two pre-season friendlies for the Scottish Premiership side before joining Serie B side Vincenza.
He then spent short spells at Grosseto and Salertiana before hanging up his boots in 2010.