Gianluca Vialli tributes at Sunday’s game
From the fficial Chelsea FC website:
As Chelsea Football Club continues to pay our respects to our legendary former player and manager Gianluca Vialli, we encourage fans attending the game on Sunday to take their places in the stadium early.
Before kick-off against Crystal Palace, we will be welcoming players who were either team-mates of Luca or were coached by him at Chelsea onto the pitch. There they will join the current Chelsea side and the Palace players in a minute’s applause by way of a tribute.
Having warmed up in special t-shirts, the players will wear black armbands during the game. We recommend you arrive early and take your place by 1.40pm.
For anyone who wishes to leave a personal message or memories, a book of condolence will be available between 9.30am and 1.30pm in the Museum building behind the Matthew Harding Stand. If you cannot make it to Stamford Bridge, an online version of the book of condolence is open
On Sunday, there will be a special tribute edition of the match programme, honouring Luca’s legacy with a series of features celebrating his life and career, with a focus on his achievements at the Bridge.
You can pick up your copy from the programme sellers around the stadium on matchday, or by visiting the online shop of our publications partner Reach Sport
Luca passed away a week ago at the age of just 58. As a player, he was part of the team that brought major silverware back to Chelsea after a 26-year wait, when we won the FA Cup in 1997. As player-manager and then manager, he then added the League Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the Charity Shield and the FA Cup again, making him the second-most successful manager in our history in terms of number of trophies won.
He led Chelsea into the Champions League for the first time and above all, he is remembered for his humility, warmth and style.
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