The Blues legend returned last July to form part of Maurizio Sarri’s backroom staff. He played an important role assisting his compatriot as Sarri adapted to English football and Chelsea, and also on the training pitches at Cobham using his expertise gained over many years at the top of the game.

The season proved successful as we finished third and triumphed in the Europa League, meaning Zola could add another winner’s medal to the four he picked up as a player at Stamford Bridge.

Zola, one of the club’s greatest players of all-time, initially moved to Chelsea in November 1996 from Parma, ending his first season in English football by laying on Eddie Newton’s goal in our FA Cup final win over Middlesbrough with a stunning back-heel. He was also named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.