Third serious mourning in just over 20 days in the world of football. After the deaths of Sinisa Mihajlovic and that of Pelè, today it was Gianluca Vialli's turn .
One of the greatest center forwards in Italian history passed away during the night in London, where he was hospitalized due to pancreatic cancer. The former Sampdoria and Juve striker was 58 years old: he had been ill for some time and recently, on December 14, he had left the national team to concentrate on the battle against the disease.
“I'm sorry, he was a boy who let out his youth. He was nice, friendly, funny. A piece of us is gone," commented Gigi Riva .
Claudio Ranieri is also grieved: « Gianluca's passing saddens me deeply, he leaves us a true champion of sport and life. My condolences to the family and all their loved ones ».
« Cagliari Calcio expresses deep condolences for the passing of Gianluca Vialli, a formidable striker and exceptional sportsman. An example forever, bye Gianluca », reads the profiles of the rossoblù club. « Always with a smile - added the president Tommaso Giulini - the socks pulled down, the cuffs, the habit of the team photos always kneeling instead of squatting , the bicycle kicks and much more. Great Gianluca!».
The pain of Gianfranco Zola, who shared the experience at Chelsea with Vialli, was also on social media: «Together we won many games and shared some of the best moments of our lives. For the love of our football we have sometimes clashed. Without discounts but always with the utmost respect. Because, deep down, we've always been ourselves: two Italian boys and a ball. Hello Luca, travel companion ».
In 2018, the champion had announced that he was ill in an interview with Corriere.
Calcio, è morto Gianluca Vialli: aveva 58 anni
