Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola thanked Roberto Mancini and the Italian federation who made Gianluca Vialli ‘feel alive.’
Vialli died in London on January 6, 2023, less than five years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Guardiola was a good friend of the ex-Juventus and Sampdoria striker and spoke about him after Sunday’s win over Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Guardiola described Villi as a ‘charismatic person’ and sent his condolences also on behalf of Manchester City ‘for his wife and kids.’
“I want to say thank you to the Italian national team, especially Roberto Mancini, who involved him. I know he made him feel alive, still part of that,” he said.
Vialli was appointed Italy’s delegation chief in 2019 and stepped down in December 2022 days after being admitted to the hospital.
“The last time I remember him [was] in a golf club in Majorca. We were hungry together and we started to eat cheese and salami, all these kind of things,” continued Guardiola.
“It was an incredible conversation. He explained to me how he was fighting and unfortunately he passed away a few days ago, but I saw Sky here these days, the reactions in Italy. It happens because he was absolutely something unique.
Guardiola also honoured Vialli on social media on Saturday, a few hours before Juventus’ home match with Udinese.
Bravo Pep.
nice words.