'Place in pantheon of Chelsea greats assured' - tributes to Vialli

SMS Message: I became a fan of his from watching Football Italia on a Sunday morning, so when he joined my team, Chelsea, I couldn't believe it! As a 15-year-old, I happened to stay in the same hotel as the Chelsea team at a pre-season tournament in Nottingham that same summer. I was beyond excited I might meet him. And I did - sure I found him having a sneaky ciggie with Frank Lebeouf and Robbie Di Matteo round the back of the hotel, but still I met Luca! Rest easy Mr Vialli. from Jim

I became a fan of his from watching Football Italia on a Sunday morning, so when he joined my team, Chelsea, I couldn't believe it! As a 15-year-old, I happened to stay in the same hotel as the Chelsea team at a pre-season tournament in Nottingham that same summer. I was beyond excited I might meet him. And I did - sure I found him having a sneaky ciggie with Frank Lebeouf and Robbie Di Matteo round the back of the hotel, but still I met Luca! Rest easy Mr Vialli.

SMS Message: Gianlucca Vialli, what a player. I will particularly remember him though as a manager, dressed like he's going to school, referring to his players as "chaps". What a character, RIP from Anon

Gianlucca Vialli, what a player. I will particularly remember him though as a manager, dressed like he's going to school, referring to his players as "chaps". What a character, RIP

Souness was emotional as he paid tribute to the man he played with at Sam Genoa.

"I can't tell you how good a guy he was," he said. "Forget football, he was just a gorgeous soul. He was just a truly nice human being.

"He was just fabulous to be around. He was such a fun-loving guy, full of mischief, a wonderful footballer and a warm human being.

"People will say things about his magnificent football ability, and correctly so, but above all that, what a human being. My condolences go to his family - the kids were blessed to have a dad like that, his wife was blessed to be married to a man like that."

It was difficult to fight back the tears, but also remember some of the sweetest times of my life. Watching Luca score with an orange ball in the snow against Tromso is one of the main things that stand out. It's hard to sleep with Luca.

Rest in peace, Gianluca! It's sad news. He will always remember when he was hit with a pie. Said after the game, "I have been to a number of places, but Millmoor is the only one I have been to yet."

SMS Message: As a Chelsea mad 8-year-old, for my birthday party my mum made a 'pin the hair on Vialli' game rather than the donkey! Luca was a great figure in Chelsea's history and will be missed! from Miles

As a Chelsea mad 8-year-old, for my birthday party my mum made a 'pin the hair on Vialli' game rather than the donkey! Luca was a great figure in Chelsea's history and will be missed!

The epitome of sexy football was at the club. There is a person sitting in tears

SMS Message: I remember Chelsea playing Tromso of Norway in the terrible snow in 1997. 3-0 down and Vialli scored 2 with the orange ball to keep them in the tie! from Rob

I remember Chelsea playing Tromso of Norway in the terrible snow in 1997. 3-0 down and Vialli scored 2 with the orange ball to keep them in the tie!

Can you believe the game happened?

Shahzad is sad to hear of the death of a great player and a bright personality.

There is sad news about a great player, a great manager and a great man.

SMS Message: I was at Oakwell when Vialli scored 4 against us in a 6-0 win for Chelsea in 1997. He was on fire that day, what a player and what a loss. from Sam

I was at Oakwell when Vialli scored 4 against us in a 6-0 win for Chelsea in 1997. He was on fire that day, what a player and what a loss.

SMS Message: I have no affinity with either Chelsea or Italy but I loved Gianluca Vialli. Played the game with passion and with a smile on his face and was a brilliantly skilful player. RIP. from Anon

I have no affinity with either Chelsea or Italy but I loved Gianluca Vialli. Played the game with passion and with a smile on his face and was a brilliantly skilful player. RIP.

SMS Message: As a lifelong Chelsea fan. I sit here with tears in my eyes, RIP Luca from Anon

As a lifelong Chelsea fan. I sit here with tears in my eyes, RIP Luca