Chelsea honoured Gianluca Vialli with a minute’s silence before today’s training session, while Gianfranco Zola admitted he ‘sometimes clashed’ with his compatriot ‘but always with the utmost respect.’
Vialli died in London today, aged 58. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. Many personalities of world football are paying tribute to the former Juventus, Cremonese and Sampdoria striker who also made history at Chelsea.
Vialli joined the Blues in 1996 and was a player and manager for the Premier League giants.
“You’ll be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli,” Chelsea wrote on Twitter.
Graham Potter’s side held a minute’s silence before today’s training session in Cobham and a picture of the ex-striker was placed outside Stamford Bridge along with bouquets of flowers.
Vialli played with Zola at Chelsea and was also his coach in 2000.
Magic Box also took to social media to honour his friend and former teammate.
“We won together and shared some of the best moments in our lives,” wrote Zola.
“We also sometimes clashed, for the love of our football, but always with the utmost respect. Because in the end, we were always the same, two Italian guys and a ball.
“Goodbye Gianluca, travelling companion.”