Gianluca Vialli released his last interview nine months ago, speaking about his life, illness and the ‘secret of happiness.’
Vialli was interviewed by Italian showman Alessandro Cattelan for a Netflix show aired in Italy, called ‘Una semplice domanda.’
Here’s an extract from his interview.
“I am convinced that our children follow our example more than our words. I know I have less time now that I am aware I won’t die of old age. I feel more fragile, so everything I do makes me wonder if that’s the right thing I am showing my daughters. In this sense, I try to be a positive example.
“I try to tell them that happiness depends on the perspective you watch life. I try to tell them that they should not show off, listen more and talk less, and try to improve every day. Laugh a lot, and help others. To me, this is the secret of happiness. I also want to make sure they find their vocation.
“I know I have less time to be an example for them. But from their side, they fear they will lose me. So they want to show me their love. I am not only talking about my daughters, but also my wife and so many other people who are showing me so much affection that I got emotional when I think about it.
“So, I try not to lose time and tell my parents that I love them. I realised that it makes no sense to do stupid things. Do the things you are passionate about, not the rest, there is no time.”
Vialli was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. How did he tell his daughters?
“My wife and I spoke to people with more experienced who guided us. But if you tell them lies, you won’t protect them. The day they find out because it will happen one day, they will think you don’t trust them. And if you don’t trust them, how can they trust themselves in their life?
“Of course, you try not to shock them but say: ‘Look, daddy has cancer, there are many chances that he will feel well, but he will have to manage a period of treatment. It won’t be easy.’ That’s how we handled it. We wanted to be clear. We didn’t tell them immediately, but after one month circa.
“The illness is not just sufferance. There are nice moments too. I didn’t say this, but I think life is 20% made of what happens and 80% of how you react to what happens. To me, illness can teach a lot about how you are done and push you beyond the superficial way we live our lives until a certain point. I also see it as an opportunity. I am not grateful, but I don’t see it as a battle.
“I’ve said it many times, if I had to fight cancer, I’d end up destroyed. It’s a period of my life, [cancer] is a travelling companion which I hope will get bored of me at some point.”
Vialli played for Cremonese, Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea winning, among other trophies, one Champions League and two Serie A titles, including the only one in the Blucerchiati’s history.
He was appointed as Italy’s delegation chief in 2019, covering the role for over two years, including during the Euros, won by the Azzurri.
Italy international Federico Berarndeschi told Sky Sport Italia that La Nazionale would not have become European champions if it wasn’t for Vialli.
Former captain Giorgio Chiellini recalled Vialli’s motivational speeches and struggled to fight back the tears while remembering the impact Vialli had in the Azzurri’s Euro 2020 campaign.
Vialli’s funeral will be held in London on Monday, January 9 in a strictly private form.
Extraordinary words. Wow.
What a great footballer but more than that a great man.
This is so sad. What a lovely person.