Far-flung Florentine association Fiorentini nel Mondo has named Argentinian footballer Gabriel Omar Batistuta its newest representative. Batistuta is already beloved by many Florentines as the top scorer of the 1994-5 season with a record-breaking 26 goals. However, the retired sportsman, previously practised in using his feet, is now trying his hand at world politics.
Fiorentini nel Mondo is a network of Florentine representatives spread across five continents. Presided over by Andrea Galluzzo, the association is made up of 77 delegates in China, Japan, Mexico, the US, Thailand, Morocco, Spain, France, the UK and many other countries. The diplomats are scattered throughout various cities across the globe, and are overseen by a higher level of ‘proconsuls’ who work at the national level, all tasked with representing Florence abroad. Currently based in Reconquista, Batistuta is not the first famous name to have signed onto the international organisation: other members include Fiamma Nirenstein, who is stationed in Jerusalem, and Carlos Botelho – son of Julinho – who is a representative in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The next step for the association is organizing celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of the year when Florence was made capital of Italy. Festivities will take place in various delegate countries around the world.
