Soccer: Zola thanks Chelsea for being patient

Gianfranco Zola declared his determination to repay Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri, the supporters and his team-mates for their continued belief in him after signing a new two-year deal.

And that starts this weekend as the Blues attempt to confirm their place in the UEFA Cup next season by beating Everton while awaiting the result of Sunderland’s game against Charlton.

Zola may be nearing his 35th birthday and, after being talked into staying put last summer, had been promised by the club that he could leave at the end of this season if he still wished.

However, he has now agreed to stay on at Chelsea for another two years, with the option of a further two years after that on the coaching staff.

That is a huge relief to Chelsea fans, with a poll on the club’s website showing a huge majority in favour of him staying, while mass appeals were planned at tomorrow’s game if the popular Italian had not yet made up his mind.

‘‘I have to thank the club for being patient. The supporters have also shown me their affection and helped my family to realise how important they think I am here,’’ he said.

‘‘The fans are incredible, they have taken care of me ever since I came here. To know you have backing like that can make the difference.

‘‘I hope I can give them as much joy as they deserve. I’m totally convinced the club will be challenging for trophies in the future.

‘‘One of the reasons I’m staying is that I haven’t won the Premiership and I’m looking forward to winning it. That would really complete my career.’’

Many team-mates pressed Zola to stay, with Gustavo Poyet having been only half-joking recently when he said they would send round a deputation to see his wife Franca.

‘‘My team-mates have been close to me. I have good relationships here, good friends, and I think they’re pleased. It shows the special spirit at this club,’’ said the striker.

‘‘Some are pleased, some are less pleased. Eidur Gudjohnsen is pulling his hair out!’’

The progress of Gudjohnsen, as well as likely summer investments in the transfer market, mean that Zola will still have to spend some of his time on the bench.

‘‘I’m know I’m not as young as I was five years ago when I came over here but I still believe I can be helpful and give my best,’’ he added.

‘‘Maybe I won’t be able to do it for 50 or 60 games a season, but I can still do a good job.

‘‘I’m never going to be happy to be on the bench, but I understand this is a tough season and sometimes you have to realise that fresher players must play.’’

As for Ranieri, Zola is now set to see out his career under the same manager who gave him his first major break in promoting him to replace Diego Maradona as the Napoli playmaker.

‘‘They wanted a big name but he was very good as he trusted me and believed in me,’’ he recalled.

‘‘Now I am more experienced but his trust in me hasn’t changed and that’s important for a player to know your manager believes in you.’’

Zola’s wife, Franca, still held the final say on where their young children should be educated but ‘‘they are pleased for me to stay and I’m delighted about that,’’ he revealed.

‘‘Before being a footballer, I’m a man. For many years, I decided where to go and this time it was up to my family to decide. But my wife was convinced that this is the best thing for the children.’’

As for the longer-term future, a coaching role awaits, with Zola possibly sitting the same course that ex-Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli is just coming to the end of.

Indeed, there was a final thought for Vialli, as well as a Chelsea-inspired backroom team including Ray Wilkins for next season at Watford, from Zola.

‘‘He’s got an opportunity to do well. It’s down to him now. I wish him and my friends who are working there now all the best,’’ said the Italian.