Former Chelsea footballer Gianluca Vialli has died at the age of 58, five years after he was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The Italian football legend registered 40 goals in 88 appearances for the London club between 1996 and 1999, before going on to manage the Blues, where he won three major trophies. Vialli guided Chelsea to the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup, before winning the FA Cup in 2000.
Vialli made 59 appearances for his country and later joined Roberto Mancini's staff with the Italian national team, which came after he was given the all clear from his cancer in 2020. He was part of the coaching team when Italy won the European Championships in 2021.
However, the former Chelsea man stepped down from his position last month when he returned to the Royal Marsden hospital to undergo further treatment on the cancer.
Chelsea posted a tribute to Vialli on Twitter, which read: "You’ll be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli."
A number of other football clubs paid tribute to the Italian, with Serie A side Udinese writing: "A great man, a great champion and fighter on the field and in life. You left early, bloody early but you will always remain in our hearts with your unforgettable example and class. Ciao Gianluca."
Spezia added: "Leader on and off the field. Ciao Gianluca, you leave a great void, but your memory and your example will never leave us."
Sampdoria, the club he made over 300 appearances for, simply wrote: "Goodbye, Luca", while sharing a photo of the striker celebrating during his playing days.
Vialli leaves behind his wife, Cathryn White-Cooper, and their two daughters, Olivia and Sofia.
