Remembering Gianluca Vialli and reflecting on his Chelsea impact

On the morning of January 6, 2022, Chelsea Football Club and football fans worldwide mourned the loss of one of Italy’s most memorable icons on and off the pitch. At the age of just 58, Gianluca Vialli passed away from pancreatic cancer that had been a part of his life off and on since 2018. From being the first Italian to manage in the Premier League to managing CFC while contributing on the pitch, Vialli is a person that will live on through the impact that he brought to a club on the rise.

On July 1, 1996, the Blues’ manager at the time, Ruud Gullit brought in one of Serie A’s most potent goal threats, Vialli on a free transfer. Vialli would go on to become one of the most beloved members of the CFC family, and while he was already a global superstar for his years in Italy, Vialli was determined to make his imprint on the west London side.

“His attention to detail he took into every part of his life. He was a fascinating character – a wonderful personality, very intelligent, very well-read, and well-rounded. He had very high standards for himself and for what he expected,” Graeme Le Saux said on what kind of person Vialli was during his time in football.

He brought the first major trophy to Stamford Bridge since 1971 and was one of the most inspirational figures between the lines, and on the sideline for the Blues as the club continued its trend toward consistent success. He was a player that fans adored during his time with the club, and after he left, “Vialli”, “Vialli” became an always popular chant among the fans at Stamford Bridge, emphasizing the love the Cremona-born man had for the CFC fans as well as the admiration held for him.