Chelsea have posted a tribute to former striker Gianluca Vialli, who is battling cancer for a second time.
The former Blues and Sampdoria forward, who is part of Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri set-up, announced yesterday during book launch event in London that he is still suffering from the illness, which he has nicknamed his ‘unwanted guest’.
Vialli, who spent the final three years of his playing career with Chelsea from 1996 to 1999, received a tribute from the West London club, who said ‘Gianluca, you’re always in our thoughts. Stay strong and keep fighting.’
The then-33-year-old Italian became player-manager in February 1998, guiding the team to a Cup Winners’ Cup and League Cup in his first season in charge. He also became the first Italian to manage a team in the Premier League.
The following campaign, Vialli oversaw Chelsea’s UEFA Super Cup over Real Madrid, and a FA Cup win. He ended his time in charge of the Blues early into the 2000/01 season and he finished his reign as the club’s most successful manager at that time.