Chelsea lead emotional tributes to Gianluca Vialli after legend dies aged 58
Chelsea have called Gianluca Vialli "a legend to us and to all of football" after the Italian hero's death was announced on Friday.
Vialli passed away aged 58 following a brave five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. The former striker will remembered as a legend of the game after winning trophies with Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea - including two Serie A titles and the Champions League.
Vialli's impact at Stamford Bridge will never be forgotten. As a player and a manager, he won two FA Cups, the Cup Winners' Cup, the League Cup, the European Super Cup and the Community Shield between 1996 and 2000. He also scored 40 goals in just 88 games.
"You’ll be missed by so many," tweeted Chelsea shortly after Vialli's death was announced. "A legend to us and to all of football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli."
Liverpool were keen to echo Chelsea's thoughts. They tweeted: "Such sad news. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gianluca’s friends, family and all those close to him."
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Vialli will also be remembered for his glittering international career. He won 59 senior caps and helped Italy reach the 1990 World Cup semi-finals on home soil. He also played a key role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph as a member of Roberto Mancini's coaching staff.
Gianluca Vialli won the Cup Winners' Cup - among other honours - with Chelsea (Getty)Write your tribute to Gianluca Vialli in the comments below.
"Ciao Gianluca, you will forever be remembered," tweeted Italy's official account along with a picture of the Euros trophy, known as the Henri Delaunay Cup. The image of Vialli celebrating with his dear friend Mancini after that triumph will live long in the memory.
The Premier League posted a touching tribute to Vialli on its official Twitter account. "The Premier League is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gianluca Vialli at the age of 58," it reads. "Our thoughts and condolences go to Gianluca's family and friends."
In England, Vialli will also be remembered for spending a season in charge of Watford. The Hornets tweeted: "All at Watford FC are saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Gianluca Vialli. Our thoughts are with our family and friends."
Vialli helped Italy win Euro 2020 at Wembley (Getty Images)Arsenal legend Ray Parlour endured many memorable battles with Vialli during their playing careers and was keen to pay his respects on social media. "Sad news the passing of Gianluca Vialli," tweeted Parlour. "Legend and great guy."
Newcastle hero Alan Shearer also faced Vialli in the Premier League. "RIP Gianluca Vialli," he tweeted. "What a lovely, lovely man and a wonderful player he was."
Premier League icon Peter Crouch, meanwhile, idolised Vialli as a kid. He tweeted: "I'm genuinely gutted about this. I had Sampdoria home and away shirts because of him. I tried to replicate his volleys in the park and [he was] such a lovely man when I met him. RIP."
TV presenter Simon Thomas, who worked with Vialli on Sky Sports' coverage of the Premier League, tweeted: "Not just a brilliant player, but a real gentleman. What a sad loss. Rest well Gianluca Vialli."
ITV presenter Mark Pougatch recalled meeting Vialli in his emotional tribute to the legend. He tweeted: "Interviewing Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea's Harlington HQ back in the day was always a delight. Smart brogues, classy beige V neck jumper, huge smile. 'I thought the chaps played really well last week' [he would say]. Charm personified. Bless him. RIP."
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Comedian David Baddiel described Vialli as a "great player" and "lovely man" on social media, while Chris Kamara tweeted: "Devastated to hear the news. RIP Luca - fabulous career and a great fella. A wonderful life has been cut short. I am well and truly gutted. Gianluca Vialli, it was an honour to have known you."
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