Pep Guardiola touchingly pays tribute to the “charismatic” Gianluca Vialli

Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Gianluca Vialli, describing him as a “unique” and “charismatic” person who has made “everyone’s life better”.

The former Italy, Juventus and Chelsea striker died on Friday aged 58 after battling pancreatic cancer since 2017.

Guardiola said he was “lucky” to have met Vialli on the golf course and recalled the “incredible conversation” he had with the beloved Italian.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Gianluca Vialli after he passed away on Friday

Guardiola described Vialli as a “unique” and “charismatic” person during his press conference following Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Chelsea.

The Spanish manager said: “On behalf of Manchester City, a great loss for his wife and children. Difficult to find a more charismatic person.

The former Italy, Juventus and Chelsea striker (above) died on Friday aged 58 after battling pancreatic cancer since 2017

Fans left flowers outside Stamford Bridge on Friday after learning of Vialli’s untimely death

“I was lucky enough to meet him on a golf course with his ‘Vailli e Mauro’ foundation. And I’m pretty sure Massino Mauro will continue his legacy for the rest.

“In life you realize how, as a football player, as life. I know how, I would say, he takes care of his body, his life and everything.

“You finally realize that our life is a coin. Sometimes it goes to one side and sometimes to the other.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Italian national team. Especially Roberto Mancini in the last three years with the national team when they won the Euros and to be a part of that because I know it shaped him [Vialli] feel alive. It made him feel like “I’m still a part of it”.

The Italy striker signed for Chelsea in 1996 before taking over as player-coach in 1999

“It’s difficult to find someone who can speak the way I speak about the charisma he has. It’s unstoppable.

“Yes, the last time I remember him was on a golf course in Mallorca. We were playing and one day we were late.

“We got hungry together and started eating cheese and salami and all those things. It was an incredible conversation we had.

“He explained to me how he fights. And sadly he passed away a few days ago.

Guardiola thanked Roberto Mancini for making Vialli “feel alive” by winning the Euros.

“But I saw this guy here, this week in Italy. The reactions. It happened because he was absolutely unique.

“He will not be forgotten. We must remember him with a bigger smile because what he did made our lives better.

“On behalf of all organisations, of Manchester City and of all clubs. A great loss for his family and friends. ‘