Chelsea have made some wonderful signings over the last 30 years, many of which were under the stewardship of Roman Abramovich. But Gary Lineker has praised one before the Abramovich era.
Some massive names have walked through the door over the years, whether it be players of the man in the dugout. From Didier Drogba to Thiago Silva, from Michael Ballack to Joe Cole, and so many more.
The criticism of this current Chelsea side is probably that they lack a big-name player, a player who is already the finished product. Of course, that could change come the summer with Chelsea set to be busy.
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But according to Gary Lineker, Chelsea once bought a player that he likened to Diego Maradona. He even claims that while they were big shoes to fill, Zola was arguably the next Maradona, before Lionel Messi.
Chelsea bought a player who once learned from Diego Maradona
Back before the transfer windows came into play, Chelsea had made a poor start to the 1995-96 season. The Blues, under Glenn Hoddle, had won just four of their 12 Premier League matches that campaign.
In an attempt to give Chelsea a lift, then-owner Ken Bates splashed £4.5m on Gianfranco Zola. The pocket-sized Italian has starred in his home country with Napoli, and then the star-studded Parma.
Gianfranco Zola of Chelsea celebrates scoring the second goal with team-mate Mario Stanic
Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images
Lineker compared Zola to Maradona on The Rest Is Football this week, with Zola going on to become a legend at Chelsea. Zola, of course, played alongside Argentine icon Maradona while at Napoli.
“He learnt from one of the greats, probably the great of his time or generation, Diego Maradona. He was at Napoli with him, he even taught him free-kicks. He learnt off Diego, Diego took him to one side.
“There were similarities, big boots to fill, but diminutive, super skilful, deft touch. Look, Diego was Diego, but Zola was really special. Lovely touch,” Lineker said, in an episode dedicated to Chelsea’s Italian star.
Gianfranco Zola’s Chelsea stats and honours during six years
Zola would last more than six years at Chelsea before leaving for Cagliari, where he remained for two more years prior to his retirement. Indeed, Zola had joined Chelsea aged 30, and would leave aged 37.
You can choose one Chelsea legend to play in Liam Rosenior’s team today. Who are you calling? 🤔
Imagine this Chelsea team with Didier Drogba! 🔥
Liam Rosenior at Fulham v Chelsea.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
In his time at Stamford Bridge, Zola clocked up a whopping 312 appearances for the London club. In that time, he had a hand in 125 goals, scoring 80 himself and laying on a further 45 assists for the Blues.
Indeed, Zola – who returned to Chelsea as Maurizio Sarri’s assistant – remains 13th in the club’s all-time record goalscorers. While he never won a League title, he did win six honours during his Chelsea stint.
Two FA Cups, a League Cup – of which Chelsea were knocked out of last night- a Community Shield, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the 1998 UEFA Super Cup. Zola remains a legend thanks to his Chelsea stint.
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