About Gigi Meroni
Luigi "Gigi" Meroni (Italian pronunciation: [luˈiːdʒi ˈdʒiːdʒi meˈroːni]; 24 February 1943 – 15 October 1967) was an Italian professional footballer who played as a winger. Throughout his career, he drew comparisons to George Best due to his playing style, appearance, and lifestyle. He played 145 matches in Serie A, scoring 29 goals. At international level, he represented the Italy national team on six occasions between 1966 and 1967, scoring two goals, and took part in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. == Club career == Meroni, of Romani heritage, began playing football at the Oratorio di San Bartolomeo in Como. His father died when Meroni was two years old. His mother Rosa, a professional weaver, raised him and his two siblings, Celestino and Maria. Before his professional football career, Meroni worked as a designer of silk neckties and devoted time to painting. His football career began in the Como youth sector, where he eventually made his first-team debut in the second division. He was subsequently transferred to Genoa.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.