Joey Saputo, the president of Bologna Football Club, has officially become an honorary citizen of Bologna. The ceremony took place today at Palazzo D’Accursio, where Saputo was awarded this prestigious recognition.
During the event, Mayor Lepore emphasized the importance of Saputo’s contribution to the city, stating, “We need examples, and Saputo represents this, beyond the sporting results culminating in Champions League qualification.”
Accompanied by his family, Saputo signed the city’s book of honor, marking his formal acceptance of the citizenship. Visibly moved by the occasion, the Bologna FC owner shared his thoughts: “I am proud and emotional. I’ve been thinking about my first time here in the city, not in 2014 when I took over the club, but in February 2012, when I came to bring Di Vaio to Montreal. I arrived in Bologna and it was snowing, and I thought it wasn’t so different from Canada: I felt at home.”
Reflecting on his decade-long ownership of the club, Saputo expressed satisfaction with the progress made. “I’ve been the club owner for 10 years, and the balance is very positive. These have been beautiful, unforgettable years, but also with difficult moments when sporting results were not up to expectations. The Champions League qualification was the crowning achievement of commitment and hard work.”
In a touching moment, Saputo referenced the famous Bologna-born singer Lucio Dalla, saying, “Thank you for welcoming me to a city where, as Lucio Dalla sang, not even a child gets lost.”
This honorary citizenship not only recognizes Saputo’s significant contributions to Bologna’s sporting landscape but also underscores the deep connection he has forged with the city and its people over the years. It marks a new chapter in the relationship between the Canadian businessman and the Italian city, further cementing Bologna FC’s place in the heart of the community.