According to Ronnie:

Vialli is feeling so Blue

Gianluca Vialli has revealed he feels hurt by Chelsea's miserable recent run of form.

Vialli was sacked by Stamford Bridge chairman Ken Bates in September, five games into the season.

His replacement, fellow Italian Claudio Ranieri, has failed to lift the team and they currently lie 14th in the Premiership table.

Vialli said: "It hurts me to see them not doing well. And I am still happy in my heart when Chelsea win - that is only natural."

Vialli was the most successful manager in the club's history but he feels no bitterness towards the club following his sacking, adding: "I spent some very important years there and felt as close to them as I have any club.

"I will always be a part of Chelsea and it will always be a part of me. It is a beautiful club and the fans are fantastic.

"It is not easy being manager of Chelsea. Sure, there is money to spend but expectations are high.

"I am still a fan of the club and that will never change."

Vialli has been linked with a return to one of his former clubs, Juventus but has ruled out a return to Italy

He continued: "I have bought a house in London and this is the place I want to call my home."

I dunno about you lot, but I always rated Luca Vialli as a decent guy (as opposed to his number two whi is an indecent guy). Even when they unjustly beat us last year at Wembley.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Answers

I'm with you on that Screacher. Much as i can't stand Chelsea, i think Vialli is a football fan at heart, so those comments aren't really surprising.

Another type of player who would've done well at Newcastle had we had the foresight and the opportunity to sign him. Great understanding of the game and what it means.

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2000

I have a lot of time and respect for Vialli. He was a fantastic player, and seemed to be Keeganesque(sp?) in his management style. I'm not sure if that's a good thing though ;-)

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2000

His coaches have just been axed at Chelsea according to the press this morning. Graham Rix and Ray Wilkins looking for a job.

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2000

Rix has apparently been taken on as defence council for Jonathan King!

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2000