Content Zola loves the English game
The enigmatic Italian scored perhaps his most incredible goal in English football recently when he volleyed a corner through his own legs and in at the near post in the FA Cup game against Norwich City.
Despite now finding himself less of a guaranteed starter, largely due to the burgeoning partnership of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 35-year-old Zola is enjoying his football and has no intention of retiring.
"I have not put a limit or date [on his career], but as long as I am in shape I will be competitive," he declared.
"In England, soccer is more difficult that in Italy," he adds. "There was a time when three or four teams stood apart.
"Now, however, all have acquired the tactical acumen and technical ability."
Zola, who has worn the famed Napoli number 10 shirt that once adorned Maradona, believes that the result-at-all-cost attitude in Italy has been to the detriment of the game.
"Our soccer is always great but there are small minds involved and the general attitude is wrong.
"We seem to have forgotten that football is a sport - a diversion - that must be used to reduce stress.
"I would give soccer back this role. There is enough spoken seven days out of seven."
