Gianluca Vialli was remembered as a “legend” with “charming swashbuckling manner” and “magnificent soul” after he died at the age of 58.
Former Italy, Cremonese, Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea striker Vialli died on Friday.
He was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and was re-diagnosed in 2021 after being denied three years ago.
Vialli had a hugely successful playing career before winning more accolades as Chelsea manager, then taking a place at Watford before joining his great friend Roberto Mancini’s team to play a part in Italy’s European Championship triumph in 2021.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in to Vialli.
Serie A club Sampdoria, for which Vialli scored 141 goals, said: “We will remember you as a boy and a ruthless centre-forward because all the heroes are young and beautiful and since that summer of 1984 you have been our hero.
“Strong and handsome, with the number 9 on his back and the Italian flag on his heart. The strongest leader of Sampdoria paired with your twin Bobby Gol [Mancini]. In three words: one of us.
“This feeling remained after parting with Genoa and the South in tears. That’s right: collecting trophies all over Europe with different colors, tracksuits and clothes, Gianluca Vialli was a Sampdorian, and the Sampdorians were with Gianluca Vialli.”
Goodbye, Luca. pic.twitter.com/npEOq6CanR
— Sampdoria English (@sampdoria_en) January 6, 2023
Juventus stated: “Such a strong sense of loss. We watched the news for days, hoping never to read it. But here we are looking at the screen, and a stream of emotions is raging inside us.
“We have always been with you, Gianluca. Ever since you arrived in 1992 when it was love at first sight. You were one of the first Juventus players to return to the top of Europe.
“We loved everything about you, absolutely everything – your smile, the fact that you were a star and a leader at the same time, on the field and in the dressing room, your charming daring manners, your culture, your class, which you showed to the last. day in black and white stripes.
“We have always been with you, and therefore, even after our joint history ended, we watched you with a smile as you brought a completely new Italian model of football to England, on and off the field, and only now we understand how much you were innovators. we.
“And in recent years, fighting the last battle with you, being touched by you when you lifted the European Championship trophy in great shape, coincidentally in London, in 2021. And even then we raised this cup together.
“We have always suffered with you, including the anxiety of the last few weeks. And again, in the end, we had to cry, but this time tears of loss.
“We are not original in recognizing that we do not know how to live in a world without Gianluca Vialli, although we know that, as we have always been with you, now it will be you, forever with us. Even if it doesn’t console us, at least not now.”
Chao Gianluca pic.twitter.com/C9P8oVLSnR
— Juventus (@juventusfcen) January 6, 2023
Chelsea also paid tribute to their former talisman and boss.
The Premier League club said: “As soon as he crossed the threshold of Stamford Bridge, Luca declared his desire to become a Chelsea legend.
“This is a goal he certainly achieved, honored for his work on the field and in the dugout during the most successful years in our history.
“Beloved by fans, players and staff at Stamford Bridge, Luca will be deeply missed not only by the Chelsea community but throughout the football world, including in his native Italy where he was such an icon.”
Graeme Souness, Vialli’s Samp teammate, told Sky Sports: “I can’t tell you what a good guy he was. Forget about football for a minute, it’s just great at heart.
“He was just a very good person. I went to Italy when I was 31 and he was 20. He was just great, a fun guy, he was full of mischief, such a warm person and an amazing player.
“My condolences to his family and wife. They were blessed that their paths crossed, the children were blessed that they had such a dad, and his wife was blessed that she married such a man.”
Dennis Wise, Vialli’s captain at Chelsea, tweeted: “Today my heart is broken. I will miss you my friend, love you Luka.
