Chelsea paid an emotional tribute to Gianluca Vialli at Stamford Bridge, as the Italian was a hero here both as a player and a manager.
Vialli died on January 6 at the age of 58 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer and even when working with Roberto Mancini’s Italy staff, had made London his home.
This was the first home match for Chelsea since the news of his passing, so tribute was paid before kick-off with players who had worked with Vialli at the club.
The fans chanted his name and held up giant flags representing his achievements with the Blues.
He wore their jersey from 1996 to 1999, with a crossover period as their manager from February 1998 to September 2000.
Vialli won the FA Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup, League Cup and UEFA Super Cup with Chelsea.
Bravo CFC.
Well done Chelsea nice tribute.