Arnold Schwarzenegger pays heartfelt tribute to Franco Columbu

By Craig Simpson, PA

Arnold Schwarzenegger has paid tribute to his friend Franco Columbu.

The bodybuilding pair competed successfully as a powerlifters and both became Mr Olympia.

Columbu and Schwarzenegger were training partners, and the actor and former governor of California has credited his friend with supporting him in the US.

Franco, You’ve heard me say that I don’t like when people call me a self-made man. You’ve even heard me say that you’re part of the reason I could never accept that label. But I wanted you to know why. From the minute we met in Munich, you were my partner in crime. We pushed each other, we competed with each other, and we laughed at every moment along the way. When I finally got to America, I was alone. I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you. I am devastated today. But I am also so, so grateful for the 54 years of friendship and joy we shared. The pumps, the chess games, the construction work, the meals, the pranks, the life lessons – we did it all together. We grew and we learned and we loved. My life was more fun, more colorful, and more complete because of you. I will always miss you. But I’ll also know that a part of you lives on in me, in Debbie, in Maria, and in the millions of people you inspired every day you lived. And I will be there for Maria and Debbie, so you can rest now with no worries. I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend. Love always, Arnold

A post shared by Arnold Schwarzenegger (@schwarzenegger) on Aug 30, 2019 at 10:35am PDT

The Hollywood star has penned a heartfelt tribute to his best friend following the death of Columbu, who died at the age of 78 according to US media sources

Writing in Medium, Schwarzenegger said: “I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared.

“You were my best friend.”

The actor has said the reason he refuses the title of “self-made man” is because of the debt of gratitude he owes to Colombu.

Inspiring him in his training, the Italian athlete also supported and encouraged his Austrian friend when he first moved to the US.

Schwarzenegger wrote: “I am devastated today. But I am also so, so grateful for the 54 years of friendship and joy we shared.

“We grew and we learned and we loved. My life was more fun, more colorful, and more complete because of you.”

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