‘I was almost in tears’: Conor Gallagher admits to nearly crying before the game between Chelsea and Palace

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Conor Gallagher confessed that the tribute displayed by Chelsea for Gianluca Vialli yesterday almost brought him to tears.

Speaking to the club media after the victory over Crystal Palace, Gallagher opened up about the emotions that were captured by the wonderful acknowledgment to Vialli pre-match.

Chelsea honoured the devastating passing of their former striker and manager ahead of the contest with Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Vialli tragically passed away last week, following a battle with pancreatic cancer that he could sadly not defeat.

The Italian’s death was greeted with sorrow from across the footballing landscape, but especially at Chelsea, where he is recognised and remembered as a true legend.

He played 87 times for the Blues before becoming their coach in 1998, winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup.

Before the Roman Abramovich era of money and silverware, Vialli truly stamped Chelsea’s mark on the English and European scene.

His contribution towards the success in South West London will never be forgotten.

This influential involvement was reflected by the outpour of grief in light of his passing.

Chelsea pay tribute to Gianluca Vialli

As a mark of respect, Chelsea played out a video of Vialli before the fixture against Palace, whilst huge banners were unfurled in the stadium.

Several of Vialli’s former teammates and icons of the Blues stood on the pitch alongside Graham Potter’s squad to applause the memory.

“I thought it was amazing. Just lining up, I didn’t realise all the guys were going to come onto the pitch before the game,” replied Gallagher when asked about the homage to Vialli.

“I looked at JT and Jody (Morris) who was my coach in the academy and I had a little smile to him which was nice.

“Then the video as well, I was almost in tears. I didn’t know him, but he’s a massive legend at the club and the video and everything Chelsea did to attribute him was amazing.”

Potter’s men saluted Vialli in the best way possible by winning 1-0, thanks a header from Kai Havertz the deceased forward would’ve been proud of.