Pep Guardiola pays tribute to “charismatic” and “unique” former Italy and Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola paid a heartfelt tribute to former Italy and Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli after the Sky Blues’ Emirates FA Cup victory on Sunday.

A minutes applause took place at the Etihad Stadium prior to Manchester City’s third round FA Cup clash with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, in memory of Gianluca Vialli who passed away on Friday, aged 58.

Vialli made 59 appearances for Italy and was part of former City manager Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff for the Italian National Team that won the European Championships at Wembley in 2021.

The Italian joined Chelsea in 1996 and became manager of the West London club in 1998, winning a series of trophies including the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

Vialli was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and revealed in 2021 that he been diagnosed with the cancer again, having received the all-clear a year earlier.

Tributes have poured in from across Europe for the iconic Italian striker, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola paying tribute to the forward after the Blues’ win on Sunday.

“Of course on behalf of Man City, it is difficult to find a more charismatic person. He was something unique. Will not be forgotten. We have to remember with a big smile. For his family and friends, a huge hug.”

Manchester City thrashed Chelsea 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, adding to Thursday’s Premier League win and November’s Carabao Cup victory against Graham Potter’s struggling side.