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Chelsea and Watford led tributes to former Italian striker Gianluca Vialli, who died at the age of 58.
Vialli passed away last night surrounded by his family after a five-year battle with cancer.
Former soccer players and soccer clubs have taken to social media to share their condolences to Vialli.
Gianluca Vialli (pictured) on duty in Italy in September, died at the age of 58 of cancer
One of his former club’s Chelsea has led the tributes to Vialli (pictured) after his death
Numerous clubs have also paid tributes to Vialli, including his former clubs Chelsea, Juventus, Sampdoria and Watford.
The Blues tweeted: ‘You will be missed by many. A legend for us and for all football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli.
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali added: “This really is a horrible day for Chelsea Football Club. The legend of Gianluca will live on at Stamford Bridge.
His impact as a player, coach and most importantly as a person will forever be written in the history of our club. We send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends.’
Another former club from his Juventus posted a lengthy emotional statement, which read: ‘Such an intense sense of loss. We had been watching the news for days, hoping never to read this.
“But here we are, looking at the screen, and a torrent of emotions crashes through us.
We have always been with you, Gianluca. Since you arrived in 1992, when it was love at first sight.
You were one of the first pieces of a Juve team that would have risen to the top of Europe again.
“We loved everything about you, absolutely everything: your smile, your being a star and a leader at the same time, on the pitch and in the locker room, your adorable swashbuckling ways, your culture, your class, which you showed to the last day in the black and white stripes.
The most memorable moments of those years lead inevitably to that jubilation, after having drawn the unforgettable game with Fiorentina in 1994, when the whole stadium was engulfed in a roar and you took the ball back to the center circle and said ‘now let’s go’. to win it’. And we know that’s how it ended.
‘That Cup, which you raised to heaven on a warm night in Rome, interspersed with that infinite moment of tears, which began at the moment of the decisive penalty. And those tears were ours. Sweet tears of joy.
Serie A side Sampdoria released a statement of their own: “You gave us so much, we gave you so much: yes, it was love, reciprocal, infinite.” A love that will not die with you today.
We will continue to love and adore you because, as you well know, you are better than Pelé. And because, despite everything, our beautiful season is destined to never end.
We will remember you as a child and a relentless center forward, because the heroes are all young and beautiful and you, since that summer of 1984, have been our hero.
‘Strong and beautiful, with that 9 printed on the back and the Italian flag stitched on the heart.’
Watford also joined in saying: ‘All of us at Watford FC are saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Gianluca Vialli. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Former players have also joined in to pay their respects, including the likes of Ray Parlor, Frank Sinclair and Ramon Vega.
Parlor tweeted: Sad news of the passing of Gianluca Vialli. Legend and great guy.
Sinclair posted: ‘Devastating news regarding the passing of Luca Vialli, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in the game, a great coach and teammate. RIE Lucas. God bless you.’
Former Tottenham and Watford defender Ramón Vega said: “I have just been informed of the very sad news that Gianluca Vialli passed away this morning around 2am.
‘RIP, I played against him in Italy and England and was also my manager. What a player and gentleman he was. My sincere condolences to the family will be sadly missed.
Paul Robinson posted: ‘Terrible news regarding Vialli. I will always be grateful to you for the guidance and trust you showed me when he was a youngster when he played under you.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Former Liverpool and Real Sociedad player John Aldridge said: ‘What another sad day for football.
‘Another genius VIALLI dies, what a player, what a gentleman! This photo is of my greatest respect!
‘My most precious change of shirt in my Italy vROI career, when I was number 1 in world football. I never forget a true great. God bless you RIP. YNWA.’
Expert Chris Kamara also had his say, tweeting: “Devastated to hear the news. RIP Luca – Fabulous race and a great guy.
A wonderful life has been cut short. I am well and truly devastated. Gianluca Vialli it was an honor to have met you.’
Vialli represented the Azzurri at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and rose to prominence in England for a brief spell at Stamford Bridge.
Vialli would go on to serve as player-manager and then manager of Chelsea, leading them to the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup in 1998, as well as the FA Cup in 2000.
His death follows a battle with pancreatic cancer, with his condition worsening in the week before Christmas and family rushing to his side in a London hospital.
Vialli was diagnosed with the disease for a second time in 2021, having been cleared in April 2020 after a 17-month struggle.
He was working on Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph last year, but recently stepped down to focus on his latest fight against cancer.
More to follow…