ZOLA STAYS WITH BLUES

The 34-year-old, who joined the club in 1996, and scored the winning goal in the 1998 European Cup Winners Cup final, has decided to remain with the West Londoners, despite being attracted by a possible return to his homeland.

After going on record as stating his intention to end his playing days with Cagliari, it is believed that Zola was very close to quitting Stamford Bridge last summer, as he was believed to be failing to enjoy the best of relationships with then coach Gianluca Vialli.

Eventually, the former Parma man was persuaded to stay, even though Besiktas were also intent on bringing him to Turkey, but he hinted then that 2000/2001 could be his final year in England.

Instead, Zola will look to lift the club's fortunes under Claudio Ranieri as Chelsea look to enjoy a more fruitful season than the one they have endured this time around.

Indeed, the talented Sardinian is now set to see out his playing days with The Blues, and he may even remain at the club when he decides to hang up his boots, as there is a two year option on the new deal to keep him in a coaching capacity.