Football club chief's son, 23, found dead in London apartment day before new job

A football club chief has been dealt with tragic news after his son was found dead in a London apartment.

The body of Armando Zamparini, 23, was discovered at his home in Mayfair after his father had made failed attempts to contact him.

Dad Maurizio Zamparini, 80, who is the chairman of Italian club Palermo - having previously owned the club in two separate spells - revealed the heartbreaking news.

"I never received an answer," he told La Repubblica. "Because Armandino died the day before yesterday. It is an infinite tragedy."

The successful entrepreneer then explained how his son was about to start a new job the day after his sad death.

Father Maurizio Zamparini confirmed the heartbreaking news ( Image:

Getty Images)

"Armandino died just the day before he started working in a large company, here in London," Zamparini said.

"I had sent hims a message on Thursday, the day before: 'Good luck!'."

Zamparini is now set to travel to London with partner Laura Giordani, reports The Sun.

Armando was the youngest of his five children but the only one he has with Giordani, with siblings Silvana, Greta, Andrea and Diego all born from the marriage to his first wife.

Further reports in Italy claim that Armando was discovered by a maid, who immediately called for emergency services, but his father claims he was already dead.

He was due to start at a multi-national company the following day, having already completed a masters degree in management following studies in London.

A medical investigation has now begun to determine the cause of his shocking and sudden death.

Asked if Armando had any health issues, his father insisted he didn't, but added: "He has suffered from severe asthmatic bronchitis in the past, which has given him various problems, but nothing else that I know of."

He added: "I've been through a lot in my life, now even this too, it's not fair."

His mother also released a statement confirming the news, which read: "My angel Armando is gone. Armando passed away peacefully in his apartment in Mayfair."

Maurizio with a young Armando (L) at a match back in 2009 ( Image:

Getty Images)

Palermo sent a tribute to their chairman and his family following the sad news.

"President Dario Mirri and the whole Palermo FC family gather in terrible pain over the untimely death of Armando, son of former Rosanero President Maurizio Zamparini," their message read.

"The memory of 'Armandino' is and will remain vivid in the Palermo collaborators who met him and saw him grow during the period of Zamparini's presidency in Viale del Fante.

"To Armando's parents and family members, our deepest condolences."