Gianluca Vialli, the former Italy, Chelsea and Juventus striker, has died at the age of 58.
Gianluca Vialli, the former Italy, Chelsea and Juventus striker, has died at the age of 58.
Vialli, whose death comes just weeks after Sinisa Mihajlovic and Brazilian legend Pele, passed away last night surrounded by his family following a five-year cancer battle.
‘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,’ his family wrote in a statement.
He represented Italy in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and gained popularity in England during a short spell at Stamford Bridge.
Vialli would serve as Chelsea’s player-manager and then manager, leading them to the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup in 1998, plus the FA Cup in 2000.
Following the news, Chelsea tweeted in tribute: ‘You’ll be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli.’
