EDOARDO BOVE made an emotional return to Roma this evening, six months on from collapsing during a match.

While on loan at Fiorentina, the 22-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during a match against Inter Milan and was rushed to hospital.

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Bove was subsequently discharged 12 days later, having had a defibrillator fitted.

The midfielder has since been recovering and has signalled his intention to return to action next season.

Born in the Italian capital, Bove came through the ranks at boyhood club Roma.

The Italy Under-21 international joined Fiorentina on loan last summer and remains contracted to Roma until 2028.

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With Fiorentina travelling to Roma earlier today, Bove made his first return to a packed Stadio Olimpico since his cardiac arrest.

While still not back in action, the homecoming hero travelled with his team-mates to the match and was met with a brilliant response.

Bove was visibly moved during a rapturous reception from Roma's Curva Sud.

While a banner read: "Edoardo, don’t give up, keep dreaming."

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Speaking to the Italian edition of Vanity Fair earlier this year, Bove signalled his intention to return to action.

The star said: "I know that this is a temporary condition. My goal is to return to playing in June.

"I still have a few (medical) visits to do, the doctors have to cross-reference all of the data."

On how his defibrillator could affect his career, given that they are banned in Serie A, Bove added: "If I decide to keep it, I won’t be able to play in Italy.

"Here, health comes before the individual, I’m not saying that the rule is wrong.

"Abroad, yes, (it is possible to play) practically everywhere. Football is too important for me, I can’t allow myself to give up like this.

"I’ll try again, without a shadow of a doubt. I will also see how I am, If I’m afraid, if I don’t feel calm, then everything will change."

Serie A's defibrillator rule led to Christian Eriksen leaving Inter Milan, with the Dane initially returning to action with Brentford before signing for Manchester United.

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