An emotional John Terry broke down in tears on his visit to Stamford Bridge to pay his respects to the late, great Gianluca Vialli.
The Italian icon sadly passed away aged 58 on Friday following a five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He is remembered as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, and for winning five trophies during his time in charge of Chelsea between 1998 and 2000.
Vialli was responsible for giving Terry his debut at Chelsea in October 1998, when he came on during a League Cup tie against Aston Villa. That proved to be a wise decision, as Terry went on to captain the Blues to five Premier League titles - among other honours.
The former England captain has remained thankful to Vialli for giving him his chance at Chelsea and has visited his memorial at Stamford Bridge to say goodbye. "Paying my respects to Luca at Stamford Bridge," wrote Terry on Instagram.
"You will forever be remembered and I will always be so grateful for believing in me and giving me my debut. In the FA Cup final in 2000 you put Jody Morris, Jon Harley, Carlo Cudicini and myself on the bench and told us we were the future of Chelsea.
"When you arrived at Chelsea you had so much time for the young players, the discussions we used to have I will always treasure and remember. You was (sic) such a great man, full of life and energy and will be missed so much. Love JT. LEGEND."
What's your favourite memory of Gianluca Vialli? Let us know in the comments below!
Tributes flooded in for Vialli after news of his passing broke on Friday. The Italy international won plenty of trophies during spells with Cremonese, Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea - including two Serie A titles, two Cup Winners' Cups and the Champions League.
Vialli won 59 caps for his country - helping them reach the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup on home soil - and was part of Roberto Mancini's backroom staff for Italy's Euro 2020 triumph. He and Mancini were close friends and strike partners at Sampdoria.
Terry also paid tribute to Vialli on Friday. He wrote on Instagram : "Heartbroken. Luca Vialli RIP. The man who gave me my debut at Chelsea and I will forever be grateful. A true gentleman who will be truly missed. My love and condolences are with the Vialli family at this incredibly sad day."
Chelsea are inviting fans to record their own messages and memories of Vialli after opening a book of condolence at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have also published a touching obituary to their former manager and player on their website, among other tributes.
It reads: "As soon as he walked through the door at Stamford Bridge when already a global football star, Luca declared his wish to become a Chelsea legend. It is a target he undoubtedly reached, revered for his work on the pitch and in the dugout during some of the most successful years in our history."
It continues: "A brilliant striker, a trophy-winning manager and a wonderful man, Luca’s place in the pantheon of Chelsea greats is assured. He will be deeply missed."
