Renowned sports journalist and commentator, Kosta Grillo has died of coronavirus this Tuesday at the age of 59. 

The journalist had been infected with the dangerous virus for some time, while he was sent to Turkey for more specialized treatment, where he was intubated since August 27, but he could not defeat the virus. 

The sad news of his death was given by the commentator's friend, Ervin Baku. The latter wrote that “Our brother could not make it. May your soul rest in peace!" Kosta Grillo is the longest-serving sports commentator in Albania. For 30 years he had devoted himself to sports, especially commenting on matches. He has been part of RTSH for many years. Meanwhile, in addition to commenting on the matches, Kosta was also engaged as player's agent. 

Kosta Grillo's background

Kostandin Grillo, sports journalist and commentator who lost his life today due to Covid-19 was born in Elbasan, in 1962 and his passion for sports started in his youth. Grillo's career beginnings are very early, dating back to 1986 when sports journalists were counted on the fingers of one hand. He embarked on the path of commenting on television with football and basketball matches.

But even the troubles for him have not been few. In 2018, Grillo said that he was a fan of the Serbian National Team, causing his words to receive many negative reactions from his followers and colleagues. The same statement cost Grillo his job at RTSH. After he showed he is a fan of the Serbian national team, he was fired. Despite this, Grillo said: I lost my job, but I am the king! 

In 2021, Grillo was threatened by an anonymous phone call, in connection with the posts he made on Facebook. Regarding this, Grillo said that if the police do not do their job, he would seek asylum outside Albania. 

In August of this year, Grillo became infected with Covid-19. He was initially admitted to a private hospital in Tirana, but on August 12 his condition worsened, prompting him to leave for Turkey. 

Friends, acquaintances and colleagues of journalist Kosta Grillo also called for financial help so that the Grillo family could afford the expenses in Turkey, as the treatment they were receiving was quite costly. But despite the efforts, Grillo failed to fight the coronavirus.