Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu had the ideal friendship. The pair met at a powerlifting meet early in their bodybuilding journey and became inseparable friends. The duo reached the pinnacle of bodybuilding together and remained best friends until Columbu passed away on August 30, 2019. Now nearly four years after his death, the seven-time Mr. Olympia paid a special tribute to his friend and training partner.

On June 7, the bodybuilding legend starred in his Netflix docu-series Arnold. In the limited series, while talking about everyone who helped Arnie become successful, Schwarzenegger mentioned Columbu. However, Arnie’s heartfelt words for the two-time Mr. Olympia left the bodybuilding world emotional when Arnie shared the clip on Twitter.

Why Franco Columbu was someone special to Arnold Schwarzenegger?

The Austrian Oak browsed through old photographs and came across the one with the Italian in them. “This is Franco Columbu, also known as Dr. Franco Columbu,” said the 75-year-old because Columbu was also a licensed chiropractor. “He was my best friend., and he was my training partner. There was no one that trained more hours with me than him,” added Arnie.

The five-time Mr. Universe revealed he and Franco Columbu met when he was 18. Since then, they trained, competed, and inspired one another. While Columbu might have been pound-for-pound stronger than the Austrian, he didn’t have as many accolades as Arnie. “Because he was short, he did not get the notoriety. It’s always like the tall guy who in the end wins,” said the 6’2 Ft Austrian.

Arnie was also“sensitive” toward his friend, always striving to help him. Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t leave his friend behind when he became a movie star because Columbu helped him become a star. “We used to live together. We made wine together. I helped him build his house. It’s been the greatest, the closest relationship that I’ve had with any guy,” said the bodybuilding champion.

Schwarzenegger said Franco Columbu was a “wonderful man” and wished everyone had a friend and training partner like Fracno Columbu. “If you don’t you miss out on a lot,” said the actor.

Bodybuilding fans found his tribute unforgettable

Bodybuilding fans on Twitter found Arnie’s tribute to his late friend emotional and moving. Some people commented on how well made the Netflix docu-series was. However, most people couldn’t talk about anything other than the 75-year-old’s tribute. They also offered their condolences.

One user found it moving how respectfully the 75-year-old described his late friend.

Read More | Resurfaced Image of Arnold Schwarzenegger Looking Like a Giant Next to Franco Columbu Goes Viral

Some fans found Franco Columbu’s segment and Schwarzenegger’s tribute to him the most poignant moment from the docu-series.

One fan explained how he got a lifetime’s worth of inspiration from the Austrian Oak and Franco Columbu.

What did you feel about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s heartfelt tribute to his closest friend? Did you learn anything new about their friendship? Let us know in the comments.

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