Robbie Fowler leads tributes to Gianluca Vialli as Chelsea legend dies aged 58

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    Tributes have come pouring in for former Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli, who has died at the age of 58.

    Vialli passed away on Friday morning, five years after first being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler led the tributes to the much-loved star, writing: "What a man…. Rip Luca."

    Former Chelsea pal Frank Sinclair said: "Devastating news on the passing of Luca Vialli, one of the nicest guys I’ve met in the game, a great manager and team mate. RIEP Luca God Bless."

    Chelsea's official Twitter account tweeted: "You’ll be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli."

    READ MORE: Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli grew up in 60-room castle – which he now uses as holiday home

    Former England and Liverpool star Peter Crouch wrote: "I’m genuinely gutted about this. I had Sampdoria home and away shirts because of him. I tried to replicate his volleys In the park and such a lovely man when I met him Rip."

    Former Liverpool star John Aldridge said: "What another sad day for football Another genius passes away VIALLI what a player what a gent! This photo is from my upmost respect!My most prized shirt swap in my career Italy vROI,When he was nu 1 in world football. Never forgotten a true great.God bless RIP. YNWA."

    Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour added: "Sad news the passing of Gianluca Vialli. Legend and Great Guy." Sampdoria, for whom Vialli played between 1984 and 1992, wrote on Twitter: "Ciao Luca."

    Sky Sports legend Chris Kamara commented: "Devastated to hear the news RIP Luca – a fabulous career and a great fella. A wonderful life has been cut short. I am well and truly gutted Gianluca Vialli it was an honour to have known you."

    Alan Shearer said: "RIP Gianluca Vialli. What a lovely lovely man and a wonderful player he was." While Sky Sports colleague Graeme Souness paid his own emotional tribute on Sky Sports News, breaking down in tears at one point.

    An Italy legend after making 59 appearances for his country, Vialli joined Chelsea in 1996, scoring 40 goals in 88 appearances until he hung up his boots in 1999.

    Vialli would then go on to manage the Stamford Bridge club, winning three major trophies, including the FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

    The football legend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and had been combatting the illness every day. After he was given the all-clear in 2020, he joined Roberto Mancini’s managerial set-up at the Italian national team, helping them to success at Euro 2020.

    However, at the start of December 2021, Vialli took a step away from the Italian national team to undergo further cancer treatment.

    Before he returned to the Royal Marsden hospital in London, the valiant star described the cancer as an "unwanted guest". He is survived by his wife Cathryne White Cooper and their two daughters Olivia and Sofia.

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