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Gianfranco Zola Returns To Chelsea As Assistant First Team Coach

Gianfranco Zola Returns To Chelsea As Assistant First Team Coach

He's back at the Bridge.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Gianfranco Zola has returned to Chelsea as an assistant first team coach to new manager Maurizio Sarri.

The diminutive Italian legend enjoyed a brilliant spell at Stamford Bridge from 1996 to 2003.

He eventually called time on his professional playing career in 2005 after two seasons at Cagliari.

Zola then switched his attention to football management, managing the likes of West Ham United, Watford and Birmingham City.

The 52-year-old is now back in management as Chelsea's No.2 to manager Sarri.

Fans are excited. Here's some reaction from Twitter:

"For me it is an amazing thing," Zola said about his return to Chelsea.

"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.

"It is a long way to travel but we are very pleased to go there and entertain our supporters over there. I know they are big fans so it will be a pleasure," Zola added about Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia.

Zola is back at the Bridge.

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Topics: Football News, Chelsea, Football