Former Chelsea favourite Gianluca Vialli has left his role with the Italian national team to battle cancer for a second time.
The 58-year-old, who is Italy's team co-ordinator and was part of the backroom team that won the delayed European Championships last summer, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in 2017. He revealed he had been given the all-clear three years later, but Vialli was told last year that his cancer had returned.
And now, the Stamford Bridge icon has confirmed that he has decided to "suspend" his professional commitments for the foreseeable future after conversations with his doctors as he battles the disease again.
In a statement release on Wednesday, Vialli said: "At the end of a long and difficult 'negotiation' with my wonderful team of oncologists I have decided to suspend, I hope temporarily, my present and future professional commitments.
"The goal is to use all the psycho-physical energies to help my body overcome this phase of the disease, so that I will be able as soon as possible to face new adventures and share them with all of you."
President of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, also commented on Vialli's decision and mooted a future return for the 59-cap star. He added: "Gianluca is an absolute protagonist of the Italian national team and will be in the future.
"Thanks to his extraordinary strength of spirit, the Azzurri and the affection of the whole federal family, I am convinced he will be back soon. He can count on each of us, because we are a team, on and off the pitch"
After joining Roberto Mancini's coaching staff last summer, Vialli claimed he was feeling good and had plans to stay alongside the former Manchester City boss and the national team in the wake of their stunning Euro 2020 triumph, where he could often be seen kicking every ball on the sidelines.
But in London last December, Vialli revealed that his cancer had sadly returned and that he was fighting the disease for a second time. "I feel good, but my journey is not yet complete," he said at a book launch.
"The unwanted guest, as I call it, is still here with me. At this moment I am in maintenance mode. The tumour is still there. At times it is more noticeable, at others less so.
"I will keep fighting because I want to be here for many more years. I want you to have to put up with me for a long time to come. I take that strength from my family, friends, and all those who give me such courage. I can't thank them enough."
