Former Chelsea captain John Terry has sent a touching message to club legend Gianluca Vialli, telling him to "keep fighting" as he battles pancreatic cancer. The former Italy striker has already undergone two courses of chemotherapy for the tumour that was discovered in 2017.
In November 2018, Vialli announced he had overcome the illness, but it reappeared shortly after before he was given the all-clear in April 2020 after 17 months. However, it was reported that in December 2021, the pancreatic cancer had returned.
Vialli played out the majority of his career in Italy, playing for the likes of Cremonese, Sampdoria and Juventus before moving to Chelsea in 1996. The striker scored 21 goals in three years for the Blues, becoming the player-manager in 1998 before taking the full-time role in 1999 until 2000.
READ MORE: Chelsea and Arsenal set to learn midfielder January transfer fate with Barcelona contract talks
The 58-year-old had a spell in charge of Watford before moving into non-management roles, including punditry and commentary before becoming the delegation chief for the Italian men's national team but he had to step down from that position earlier this month to focus on his battle with cancer.
There have been further fears over the health of Vialli in recent days as a report from the Mirror adds that he has been admitted to hospital in London for treatment. Messages have come pouring in for him since the news broke, including plenty of messages from those associated with Chelsea.
Stay Strong and keep fighting Luca
We are all thinking of you. We are sending our love, strength and prayers.@ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/i3Ax5lX25y— John Terry (@JohnTerry26)
Former captain Terry is one of those to send his best wishes in, saying on Twitter: "Stay Strong and keep fighting Luca. We are all thinking of you. We are sending our love, strength and prayers."
READ NEXT:
Chelsea set to announce major new 'signing' next week as Todd Boehly's 2023 plan comes together
Chelsea vs Man City clash set to be impacted as ASLEF announce new rail strike date
Jorginho laughs about Chelsea contract talks as Todd Boehly faces Marina Granovskaia repeat
Chelsea promote key men responsible for Reece James development ahead of major 'signing'
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
