Former Italy international Gianluca Vialli, who has been battling pancreatic cancer for several years, announced this Wednesday that he was suspending his activities with the Italy national football team to combat a “new phase of the disease”.
In a statement, Vialli, who is currently head of the Italian delegation, explains that “after a long and difficult discussion with a wonderful team of oncologists” he has decided to put his current and future professional commitments on hold.
“The goal is to use all my physical and mental energy to help my body overcome this phase of illness so that I can take part in new adventures as soon as possible and share them with you all,” added Gianluca Vialli.
Gabriela Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), quoted in the same statement, said that “Gianluca is the best player in the Italian team and will remain so in the future”, adding: “Thanks to his extraordinary courage. (…), I am convinced that he will return soon.”
As a player, Vialli played for Sampdoria, Cremonese, Juventus and Chelsea.
Late in his career, he briefly coached Chelsea through Watford before becoming Italy manager from 2019, when he was already battling pancreatic cancer.
In a 2021 documentary, Vialli describes his illness as “an unwanted travel companion, but you have to move on and wait for him to get tired.”
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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