Premier League giants Chelsea have appointed Italian tactician Gianfranco Zola as the club’s assistant manager.
The 52-year-old was named assistant to new Chelsea manager and compatriot Maurizio Sarri , 59, on Wednesday night.
He has already joined the Blues in their pre-season tour of Australia.
Gianfranco sealed his status as a Chelsea legend during his seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge in his playing days.
He helped the club win two FA Cup titles, one UEFA Cup winners’ Cup title, one UEFA Super Cup title and one League Cup title during his stay from 1996 to 2003.
Zola, who has managed English clubs like West Ham United, Watford and Birmingham City as well as Italian side Cagliari, scored 80 goals in 312 league and Cup appearances.
On his return to Chelsea, Zola said: “For me it is an amazing thing. I am pleased to be here.”
“It would be great to be successful with Maurizio and for the club and I will give my best, as I did in the past as a player.
“I am very much looking forward to the challenge in general. I would love us to start well and we are all very excited to start this new adventure.” The former Italian international forward concluded.
