Zola hangs up boots

Gianfranco Zola has decided to hang up his boots and quit the game.

Gianfranco Zola has decided to hang up his boots and quit the game.

The Chelsea legend announced the news at a press conference on Wednesday as he underlined his reasons behind retiring.

After playing for Cagliari in Sardinia last season, the 38-year-old feels it is time to call an end to his playing days.

"I think this is the right thing to do," he explained.

"Some time has passed since the end of the season but I needed to reflect.

"It hasn't been an easy decision but I felt the need to dedicate myself to those things that I have neglected in all these years."

Zola's retirement will be a huge blow to Cagliari as they prepare for the 2005/2006 season.

The former Parma forward was a massive hit during his time in England was voted Chelsea's greatest-ever player by their supporters in a recent poll.

Former Blues chairman Ken Bates led the tributes to the popular former Italy international.

"He's a fantastic example to all stars, particularly the young ones today," Bates told Sky Sports News.

"He demonstrated if you're a genius you didn't also have to be a lout or a thug or a foul-mouthed idiot.

"I think that's a great example to all the players in the game, it's a pity more of them didn't learn to be honest with you.

"He was a credit to himself and his family, a lovely family man. He always behaved with dignity."

Click here for Zola's entry in our Premiership Hall of Fame.