Chelsea Legend Reveals He Is Battling Cancer for Second Time

• Gianluca Vialli has been battling pancreatic cancer for years now after he was diagnosed with the disease in 2017
• Fortunately for him, he was able to get an all-clear in April 2020 after treatment
• However, the former striker has now revealed his cancer has returned, disclosing his journey remains "incomplete"

Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli has opened up about his struggles with cancer.

The 57-year-old who turned out for the Blues as a player before he later managed them was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer four years ago.

After undergoing treatment, he was given the all-clear in April 2020 and even returned to active football as a staff in Roberto Mancini’s backroom with the Italy national team.

However, the former striker has now sadly disclosed that his cancer has recurred.

Speaking recently in London, the Italian divulged that "he feels good" but his recovery journey from the ailment remains incomplete.

"The unwanted guest, as I call it, is still here with me. At this moment I am in maintenance mode. The tumour is still there. At times it is more noticeable, at others less so," Vialli was quoted saying.

Victor Wanyama Makes Damning Admission About Kenyan Football, Weeks After International Retirement

Football

"I will keep fighting because I want to be here for many more years. I want you to have to put up with me for a long time to come," he added.

Vialli revealed he draws great strength from his wife Cathryn and teenage daughters Olivia and Sofia who have been supporting him through the journey.

During his treatment, the former striker lost his hair, beard, and eyebrows and also lost significant weight during his initial fight.

5 footballers who came out of retirement in 2021

Earlier, Sports Brief reported a number of footballers who had announced their retirement from international football returned to action to play for their respective countries in 2021.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic leads a number of sensational football stars who came out of retirement in the course of the year 2021.

French striker Karim Benzema also returned to the national team to represent Le Blues having been exiled for about five years.

Nigerian star Odion Ighalo who retired from international football after AFCON 2019 also returned to the Super Eagles.