Former Italian footballer Gianluca Vialli died at the age of 58 in London, on Friday, 6 January. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017, and was since receiving treatment.
"We thank the many who have supported him over the years with their affection. The memory of him and his example will live forever in our hearts," the former player-turned-manager's family wrote in a statement.
Vialli made 59 appearances for the Italian national team, and played a role in Azzurri's bronze medal in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He also won the Serie A title twice - once with Sampdoria and the other time with Juventus. The Cremone-born player also won the UEFA Champions League with Juventus, before representing English Premier League side Chelsea, and then ultimately taking up a managerial role there.
Vialli was the first Italian to manage a Premier League side, leading Chelsea to triumphs in the League Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Cup Winner's Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Chelsea’s current co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have said in a statement: “This is truly an awful day for Chelsea Football Club. Gianluca’s legend will live on at Stamford Bridge.
"His impact as a player, a coach and most importantly as a person, will be forever written across our club’s history. We send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends."
He also happened to be a part of Roberto Mancini's current Italian outfit as a delegation chief, before announcing a temporary leave from this role in December in order to be treated for his cancer.
The striker had announced that he was given the medical 'all-clear' in April 2020, however, he was re-diagnosed with the disease in December 2021.
The Italian Football Federation has announced that a minute's silence shall be held before all games across the country this weekend.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)