Valentino Rossi changed a fan's life. His name is Michele Quirini, he is 33 years old, and his existence was actually turned upside down when, in a stand at a Misano track which notably played the last Grand Prix of Valentino Rossi in Italy, he grabbed the ultimate helmet that the hero had just thrown into the audience. A gift from heaven, both literally and figuratively, because for history and collectors, this helm has inestimable value. In an instant, the fan was no longer anonymous and, since then, he has had to reorganize his daily life... A change that he had to make as soon as he left the circuit.
Said Michele confided in the Journal of Sport, and first on the way in which the divine capture was made: “ my friends and I just wanted to enjoy the moment, I was asked to record a video, I didn't want to do it because basically social media would be full of videos of the moment a few minutes later. But I wanted to make them happy, so I took out my phone and started recording, and as I watched it through the screen, Vale's helmet ended up in my hands. It almost gave me a heart attack, I wasn't even trying to catch it ».
A chance that was enough to make one jealous and indeed, it was necessary to take precautions to exfiltrate from the circuit… “ When I got it, I was first asked to lift it in the air, as if it were a trophy. But instinctively, I just wanted to put it in the backpack as soon as possible and run away. We only allowed four photos to some fans, protected by four other locally known fans who served as shields. Then we left, going through three different exits. We told each other to split up, so there was no risk. But one thing really made me laugh: that some crazy fans wanted to take the helmet, completely drenched in sweat, just to smell it ».
Valentino Rossi's helmet now sleeps in a safe
Once the escape was successful, there was no question of returning home and dropping off the AGV Pista GP RR with its unique decoration in your living room to enjoy it from the armchair... " I took it straight to the bank. Shortly afterward my name appeared in the newspapers. I wanted to keep him safe and not leave him at home. With a few euros I opened a safe ". It is therefore deposited there as an object of great value. Besides, it is one, and Michele's life now revolves around this Holy Grail.
For example, he has projects: “ For the moment I am not going to sell it » he assures. “ I want to share it with people, with fans. If a brand is organizing a charity or sporting event and they ask me, I wouldn't say no. Although I need to understand how insurance and shipping work ". However, there is collective heritage of the yellow people and personal heritage. The imperatives of life are like this. Michele is well aware of the economic value of the latest helmet used by Valentino Rossi in Italy, he therefore leaves the door open to its possible sale in the future, provided that he is offered “the right price”.
« But it is not my main idea to sell it, I repeat. I really want to keep him, I have a lot of affection for him. If I sold it, whoever bought it would have to pay me well », adds this envied 'Vale' fan who has his head on his shoulders since he also launches the idea of a meeting with the Doctor to celebrate the event... A dedication on the helmet would only further embellish a little more than one valeur already estimated at around 100.000 euros on the other side of the Alps…
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