Zola happy to go back to his roots

GIANFRANCO ZOLA swapped the Champions League for the less glamorous surroundings of Serie B yesterday — and the little Italian admits he could not be happier to have joined Cagliari.

Zola rejected the offer of a new deal from Chelsea to move back to Sardinia after seven successful years at Stamford Bridge.

And although he conceded it was a wrench to leave west London, the lure of returning to the country of his birth was, ultimately, too great.

“I am very happy to be playing for Cagliari, the most important team of my homeland,” said Zola. “I want to thank Chelsea and the fans who have understood that this is a life decision, not an economic one.”

Zola, who will captain Cagliari next season, has signed a one-year deal, The 36-year-old has reportedly been lined up for an executive role at the club when he hangs up his boots, although the man himself is refusing to look too far ahead.

Chelsea admitted defeat in their attempts to keep Zola earlier in the day, even though they were able to offer him improved terms following news of the club’s takeover by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Blues’ chief executive Trevor Birch told the club’s official website, www.chelseafc.com: “As a result of additional resources being made available we were able to offer terms which satisfied him, but being the man he is he felt that having given his word to his home island club he would have to leave us and join them.”

However the Blues have been boosted by the news that John Terry and Carlton Cole have signed new contracts.

Terry issued an ultimatum while on international duty, saying he would look elsewhere if the club did not match his demands. However he yesterday signed a four year deal.

“Perfect summer. The England cap was great and I am over the moon to sign the contract. I love the club and I never wanted to leave.

"Milan Baros has been told his future is at Liverpool and he will be expected to form a front-line partnership with Michael Owen next season.

The Czech Republic youngster, a £3.4million buy from Banik Ostrava two seasons ago, has been the subject of an approach from Spanish club Real Zaragoza, who wanted to take him on a year’s loan.

Baros initially struggled to find his feet in the English game but his electric pace and burgeoning potential eventually made an impact last term.

Now boss Gerard Houllier has made it clear to Baros’ agent that he has no intention of letting the youngster leave and sees a big future for him alongside Owen next term.

Houllier will come back from holiday on Monday in time for Tuesday’s return to training, intent on boosting his squad with new signings.

That does not worry England midfielder Danny Murphy, whose place would be under threat by the arrival of transfer target Harry Kewell.

Murphy told LFC Magazine: “I actually look forward to new players coming because the objective is to make the team and the squad stronger, so we can get success. If that means bringing in players then that’s what we need to do.”