THE football world is in mourning once again as the passing of Gianluca Vialli has been announced.
The former Chelsea hero passed way at the age of 58, five years after first being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The Italian was an icon at Stamford Bridge, scoring 40 goals in 88 appearances for Chelsea in a three year spell before going on to manage the club, winning three major trophies.
With his wife and children by his side, the Italian sadly passed away on Friday, January 6 2023.
Who was Gianluca Vialli's wife Cathryn White-Cooper?
Vialli had a fantastic career and was supported by his wife, Cathryn White-Cooper.
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The pair met during Vialli's time at Chelsea and a budding romance blossomed.
Despite staying away from the public limelight, White-Cooper was supportive of her husband, who was full of pride as he witnessed Italy win Euro 2020 as head of delegation.
White-Cooper is of South African origin and married Vialli in 2003, three years after he left Chelsea.
The pair kept their private life out of the public eye so not much is known about his spouse, who is believed to be a former model and interioir decorator.
When speaking to The Times about his cancer diagnosis, Vialli opened up on the support from his wife.
He said: "My daughters helped me drawing my eyebrows and I have I asked my wife for advice what tricks to use.
"We laughed, you have to laugh, you need to find the funny side, but there were days where I locked myself in the bathroom so they wouldn’t see me cry.”
The football icon will be missed as he helped transform Chelsea into the giants that they are today.
