Slaven Bilic has described Gianluca Vialli as “one of the Peles of his generation” following the legendary Italian striker’s death.

The passing of the former Hornets manager was announced by the Italian Football Federation this morning; Vialli was 58 and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer five years ago.

The Hornets head coach has joined the tributes to the former Chelsea forward and manager. He said: “Today I am not talking as the Watford manager, although Luca was also manager here and part of this club. He was one of the true footballing legends.

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“I didn’t know him personally but when you say the name ‘Vialli’ you immediately think world class in every sense of the word. In terms of football, what he did for Chelsea, the Italian national team, he was captain of Juventus.

“And also as a person. I never read anything bad about him. Some of my friends played with him, and also against him, and they all say he was one of the biggest gentlemen in the game of football.

“To know that he fought cancer for five years, you have to say why – he was a guy that deserved to live.

“It’s a very sad day. Coming so soon after Pele too. Vialli was not Pele but he was one of the Peles of his generation. He was a true top professional, on and off the pitch.”