Former Chelsea forward Gianluca Vialli, has had a long fight against pancreatic cancer.
Vialli who played and managed Chelsea, has revealed his happiness to have recovered from the cancer and admitted that he’s indeed fortunate.
“I am fine. In December I finished 17 months of chemotherapy, one cycle of eight months and another of nine. It was difficult both physically and mentally, even for someone as tough as me,” the 55-year-old said.
“The tests showed no sign of the illness. I am happy, even if I say that under my breath to be on the safe side. Regaining my health means seeing myself in the mirror again, seeing the hair grow, not having to draw eyebrows on with a pencil. In that respect, I feel very fortunate compared to many others.
“I think of those brought to hospital and forced to die alone, their relatives not allowed near in case of contagion, then funerals that could not be celebrated. It’s terrible. This crisis will leave enormous scars on the country, emotional, moral and economic scars.
“In my case, this was not a battle, but a journey, an opportunity for introspection. I would’ve gladly done without this illness, but it happened and so I try to make the most of it. This helps you become who you are.
“It will be wonderful when football and sport return, as emotions and memories will help us to get back to living our full lives. I just hope we maintain this capacity for solidarity in future and expand it. Keep backing the healthcare workers, these generous people of incredible physical and mental strength. Let us not forget them, when this is all over.”