Gianfranco Zola returns to Chelsea as Blues confirm club legend as Maurizio Sarri’s assistant

Chelsea have confirmed Gianfranco Zola has returned to the club as assistant to new boss Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri was formally unveiled on Wednesday afternoon, following his protracted move from Napoli.

And now the Blues have confirmed that Zola has agreed to return to Stamford Bridge to work under his compatriot.

“For me it is an amazing thing,” Zola told Chelsea’s official website.

“I am very willing to work hard because it is going to be a difficult challenge but I am pleased to be here, and to work hard with Maurizio to be successful.

“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, so I will give my best in my new position.

“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.”

Zola spent seven years as a player at Stamford Bridge, scoring 80 goals and winning four major trophies during his time with the club.