Graeme Souness breaks down in Gianluca Vialli tribute live on air
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Graeme Souness broke down in tears as he paid an emotional tribute to his former team-mate Gianluca Vialli, following his death at the age of 58.
Vialli died surrounded by his family Thursday night after a five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He has been married to his wife Cathryn White-Cooper since 2003 and the couple had two daughters together: Olivia and Sofia.
Souness, who played with Vialli on Italian team Sampdoria, was live on Sky Sports News speaking to presenter Hayley McQueen when he was unable to continue his tribute.
Graeme Souness broke down in tears when speaking about the death of Italian icon Gianluca Vialli
Souness (circled on the left) was a teammate of Vialli (circled on the right) during his time at Sampdoria.
Vialli with his wife Cathryn White-Cooper, whom he married in August 2003.
Asked about his most recent recollection of Vialli, who was being treated in a London hospital before his death, Souness said: “Well, I’m not a doctor, Hayley, but when I looked at him, I thought I saw a man who He was still in contention when he was here at the Euros.
“I think it’s so typical of him that he kept it so private, so personal, and embraced it like I would expect him to.
‘It was his fight, he wanted to deal with it himself. He didn’t want to burden other people with it…’
So Souness could no longer hold back the tears and Sky made the decision to quickly end the interview, but not before thanking the expert for his words.
The pair were particularly close in Sampdoria, always pulling pranks on each other.
Vialli was a key figure in Italy’s run to win Euro 2020, serving as head of delegation.
Souness and Vialli, along with Italy boss Roberto Mancini, had a close relationship during the Scotsman’s time in Italy, with Vialli once recalling the time Souness pushed him into a lake because a practical joke went too far. .
‘On a game day on a Sunday morning I was in my club suit and he thought it was fun to push me into the lake!’ Vialli told Sky Sports’ Goals in Sunday program.
He then added that he “recovered” soon after.
“He could take a joke, pay it back, and even though he was older than me, we had a fantastic relationship and he really took care of me.”
Vialli enjoyed a prestigious career, representing Italy at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, winning the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and gaining popularity in England for a brief spell at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian 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 final role in football came with the Italy national team and he played a role in guiding them to win the 2020 European Championship in England.
On December 14, he had to step down from the role due to the aggressive return of cancer.
In his final public statement, he said he hoped his absence from the national team would be ‘temporary’.
“At the end of a long and difficult ‘negotiation’ with my wonderful team of oncologists I have decided to suspend, hopefully temporarily, my present and future professional commitments,” he said.
‘The goal is to use all the psychophysical energies to help my body overcome this phase of the disease, to be able to face new adventures as soon as possible and share them with all of you.’
Vialli (right) and Roberto Mancini (left) were known as ‘The Goal Twins’ at Sampdoria
Fans left a support banner outside the hospital where Vialli was being treated.
Vialli was a prolific striker for Sampdoria and Juventus in Italy, then Chelsea in England.
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.
Sampdoria fans also showed their support until the end, as they hung a banner of support in front of the London hospital where he was being treated.
“I am deeply saddened,” said the president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina.
‘I waited until the end that he could perform another miracle, but I take comfort in the certainty that what he did for Italian football and the blue jersey will never be forgotten.
“Gianluca was a splendid person and he leaves a void that cannot be filled, in the national team and in all those who have appreciated his extraordinary human qualities.”
Vialli was diagnosed with the disease for a second time in 2021, having been cleared in April 2020 after a 17-month struggle.
Vialli lifts the Champions League after Juventus beat Ajax on penalties in the 1996 final
Last year, a candid Vialli opened up about how ‘fragile’ he was and how he never believed he would win a battle against cancer.
“I was a player and a strong but also fragile man and I think someone who could recognize himself. I am here with my defects, fears and desire to do something important,’ said Vialli.
“I’m not having a battle with cancer because I don’t think I can win it, it’s a much stronger opponent for me.
Cancer is an unwanted travel companion, but I can’t help it. He got on the train with me and I have to keep going, traveling with my head down, never giving up, hoping that one day this unwanted guest will get tired and let me live in peace for many more years because there are still many things I want. do.’