‘A warrior who would not stop fighting’: Football fans around the world mourn the loss of former Italy and Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli, who has died at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer
Football fans around the world paid tribute to Gianluca Vialli, the “Legend of Italian Football”. died at the age of 58 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Former Italy and Chelsea The striker’s death comes just three weeks later He quit his role as coach for Italy.
It also comes after the football world recently mourned the loss Sinisa Mihajlovic and Brazilian legend Pele.
Gianluca Vialli, pictured here celebrating Italy’s victory over Spain in the Euro 2020 semifinals, has died at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer
There was great sadness on social media at the death of the latest football icon
There was great sadness on social media at the death of the latest football icon.
Paying tribute to Vialli, one fan said: “A legend of Italian football, a pioneer of English football and a warrior who would not stop fighting until his last day. Rest in Peace Gianluca Vialli’.
Meanwhile, another added: “Another tragic loss of a legend. Goodbye Gianluca Vialli’.
A third fan said: “This is desperately sad news. Vialli was iconic to many who watched Footy in the 90’s and what a player. RIP Gianluca.’
And another added: “Sad news about the brilliant player from #Vialli. 58 is not old.”
Vialli represented the Azzurri at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, won the 1996 Champions League with Juventus and gained popularity in England during a brief stint at Stamford Bridge.
Vialli celebrates Chelsea’s win over Stuttgart in the 1998 European Cup Winners’ Cup final with Dennis Wise
Fans were devastated to hear of the Chelsea legend’s death, and one even recalled seeing him at a driving range in Chiswick, west London
Vialli was player-manager and then manager of Chelsea, guiding them to the 1998 European Cup Winners’ Cup and League Cup and the 2000 FA Cup.
Another fan paid tribute, saying: “What a player Vialli was. One of the first ones I can properly remember growing up. That Chelsea era had some real players. Vialli, Zola, Flo, Desailly. REST IN PEACE.’
Meanwhile, a Chelsea fan tweeted: “RIP Gianluca Vialli. An absolute legend of Chelsea Football Club. Thank you for everything, my boss.
One fan even recalled memories with Vialli, writing: “Gianluca Vialli 58. Terrible. Rip Luca. Saw him on the driving range at Chiswick, lovely fellow.’