Gianfranco Zola is a Chelsea legend.
His appointment as an assistant coach last season was met with jubilation from the fans. However, with his contract up for renewal at the end of the current month, it seems likely that Zola could leave the club.
According to the Times via 101 Great Goals, Zola rejected an ambassadorial role and favours a role as part of the potentially incoming Frank Lampard’s backroom staff.
Times | Gianfranco Zola has rejected an offer from #Chelsea to move into an ambassadorial role and would instead prefer to stay on in some sort of coaching role under Frank Lampard. #CFC pic.twitter.com/SYmXNTlXPd
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) June 26, 2019
Zola enjoyed a successful season as Maurizio Sarri’s assistant manager last season, finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Europa League.
The former Italian international enjoyed a glittering career at Stamford Bridge, making 292 appearances over a six-year spell at Chelsea. The 52-year-old scored 71 goals and assisted a further 18, as he won two FA Cup and a League Cup.
It seems fans haven’t forgotten Zola’s contribution at Stamford Bridge, and after the reports emerged, fans seemed desperate to see Zola remain.
Here is a selection of tweets from fans about the reports of Zola rejecting an ambassadorial role:
I really want him to be part of the coaching staff.
— Oluwatosin (@rasheedtesq) June 26, 2019
He’s good as an assistant just keep him
— Mofayz.18 (@Mohamed99209393) June 26, 2019
Good man
— Bamzhie (@bamzhiee) June 26, 2019
Free kick coach ????
— Kav (@Kav_Tweets) June 26, 2019
Except Lampard doesn’t want Zola, Zola should be part of his team. He can bring in his experience as a coach
— Kay-Kay (@MisterKay112) June 26, 2019
