Gianfranco Zola to leave Chelsea to pursue career in management after ‘turning down ambassadorial role’
- Gianfranco Zola is set to leave Chelsea as he looks to take the next step in career
- Zola served as assistant manager at Stamford Bridge under Maurizio Sarri
- Sarri replaced Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus after just one season at Chelsea
- Frank Lampard, who is set to take over, will bring in his own backroom staff
Gianfranco Zola is set to leave Chelsea this weekend when his contract expires after reportedly turning down an offer in an ambassadorial capacity.
Zola, who played for Chelsea between 1996-2003, worked as assistant manager to Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge last season as the club secured a return to the Champions League.
But Sarri has since replaced Massimiliano Allegri as Juventus manager and Chelsea are expected to soon appoint Frank Lampard, who will bring his own backroom staff with him from Derby.
Gianfranco Zola is set to leave Chelsea as he wants to make the step back into management
Sportsmail reported earlier in the week that Sarri’s successor will get to decide whether to keep on club legend Zola.
And Chelsea have since worked to keep Zola in an ambassadorial role but according to the Guardian, the fan favourite has rejected the opportunity in order to make the step back up into management.
‘Gianfranco’s contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the month,’ Zola’s agent and lawyer, Fulvio Marrucco, told the Guardian.
‘After a season of hard work and fantastic results alongside Maurizio Sarri, he is ready to take the next step in his own management career.’
Zola has already had a taste in management in England, so would back himself to succeed with the right environment around him.
The 52-year-old Italian has already had spells managing West Ham, Watford and Birmingham and his experience at Chelsea as assistant boss will hold him in good stead.
Frank Lampard is expected to take over at Chelsea and will bring his own backroom staff