Former Chelsea Manager Has Died After Battling With Cancer

Michael Chukwuebuka, Reporting

FORMER Chelsea manager, Gianluca Vialli, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer five years ago, has died.

­The 58-year-old father-of-two, won several major trophies as a player and also as a manager, which included: European Championships with Italy in England, as a staff; UEFA Champions League with Juventus; English domestic cups with Chelsea Football Club, among several other collections.

Reacting to his demise, Juventus, via their verified social media handles, lamented: “Such an intense sense of loss,” adding “We have always been with you, Gianluca.”

Vialli poses with the European Championship trophy

“Ever since you arrived in 1992, when it was love at first sight, we loved everything about you, absolutely everything — your smile, your being a star and leader at the same time, on the pitch and in the dressing room, your adorable swashbuckling ways, your culture, your class, which you showed until the last day in the black and white stripes…” the statement further added.

Gianluca Vialli is survived by his wife, Cathryne White Cooper, and their two daughters, Olivia and Sofia.

Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli