Zola Hints At Another Year!

Last updated : 06 December 2002 By Rich Godden
A year ago, Gianfranco Zola was sitting on the Chelsea bench every week. The little Italian was forced to watch JFH and Eidur form a lethal partnership that plundered around 50 goals in all competitions last season. Who would have thought then that he would be playing so well this year.

It was thought that he may have even packed it all in after last season, because of his lack of first team chances but he decided to give it a go and he has rewarded Ranieri for his trust by scoring 9 goals already this season.

Now, all the talk has been about whether or not Zola will play another season after this. Chelsea Mad have even started a petition for Zola to stay next season! And now he has given his biggest hint yet that he will be around next season.

Over to Franco, "It doesn't feel like I'm 36. I'm surprising myself as well as I run up and down as much as everyone else and I don't get any more tired than them.

"Age is relative. As long as you enjoy it and don't get too tired, it doesn't matter. I might change my plans as when you play like this and enjoy it so much, it makes you think a lot."

When the cheeky reporter then asked Zola if he could play until he was 40, the modest Italian said, "Don't put any more pressure on me.

"I like to take things step by step. I'm pleased with the way I'm playing at 36. I just hope I can play like this when I'm 37 but 40 is a long way away."

As long as you keep dazzling us with your skills Franco you can play until you're 50 as far as I'm concerned!