On the world political and business scene Silvio Berlusconi was known as the Cavaliere, a “nickname” that stuck with him even after he ceased to be a real Cavaliere.

“Cavaliere”, is the honorary title of “Knight” awarded by the President of the Republic of Italy to businessmen who have substantially contributed to the progress of the country’s economy.

Berlusconi, a media mogul, sports magnate and fiendish businessman who divided Italy with his controversial personality, had been honored with this title.

Read more: National mourning in Italy for the death of Berlusconi – Cavaliere’s funeral will be held on Wednesday in Milan

But in 2014, after the scandal and his conviction for tax fraud, Cavaliere returned his title.

At that time, the National Federation of Italian Knights made it known in a statement that Berlusconi himself asked to resign as a member of the association, as well as that he no longer has the possibility of using the title.

Berlusconi may have ceased to be a Knight (literally, he never was) but his … nickname remained.

With the news of his death yesterday, Twitter users trended the Cavaliere and bid farewell to Italy’s charismatic and undoubtedly controversial personality.