Popular Italian football agent Domenico Ricci is dead, his former business partner Alhaji Karim Grusah has confirmed.

“Ricci died yesterday (Saturday). His children phoned me two hours after his death and I have also informed his players Sammy Kuffour and Stephen Appiah of the sad news,” Grusah is quoted by Ghanasportsonline.com

Ricci was instrumental in the transfer of Ghanaian players Samuel Osei Kuffour, Mohammed Gargo and Stephen Appiah.

He played a role in Ghana appointing Guissepe Dossena as Black Stars coach in the late 90s.

Ricci introduced the likes of Giovanni Trapattoni, Roberto Mancini and Arrigo Sacchi to the Nigeria Football Federation before the commencement of the 2010 World Cup.

In July 2011, he announced his ‘retirement’ from the game that brought him fame and fortune.