Chelsea Gear Up To Welcome Back Gianfranco The Great

At Stamford Bridge tomorrow afternoon, Chelsea fans will encounter the alien feeling of wishing ill-luck on perhaps their greatest ever player, Gianfranco Zola.

The diminutive Italian - who scored 80 goals in a glorious 7 year spell at the club - will take his West Ham side to the Bridge, adding even more spice to an ever-feisty London derby.

There is no doubt that Zola will receive a rapturous reception, but once the referee gets the game underway, that will all go out of the window.

Scolari’s men need the points to keep up with the pace at the top of the Premier League going into would could prove to be a crucial period.

A quick poll of Chelsea fans would reveal mixed emotions at Zola’s position. Given the intense rivalry between the two teams, some see Zola’s decision to take up the reigns in East London as a sort of betrayal.

Zola clearly feels an attachment to Chelsea, but he is right not to let the club’s rivalries get in the way of furthering his managerial ambitions.

Many point to the hypothesis that his spell at the club will give him vital Premier League experience, and maybe even enhance his chances of managing Chelsea one day.

And of course, if he sends West Ham down, then that will further enhance his legendary status in West London.

Few of the current first team squad were around when Zola was in his pomp, but those who were have fond memories of the Italian.

One of those players is Chelsea goalkeeper and compatriot, Carlo Cudicini.

“I have a lot of good memories,” said Cudicini ahead of this Sunday’s clash.

“Gianfranco scored so many goals for the team to win so many games, but the things that touched me the most were when we hugged each other after an important win when he scored an important goal. These are things that stay with you forever.

Cudicini was blown away by Zola’s technique.

“As an Italian, I used to watch him on television and you could see how good he was at taking free-kicks, but when you are involved, it was another matter and it was unbelievable technique - the precision with which he kicked the ball,” he explained.

Ray Wilkins, now an assistant coach at Chelsea, was equally effusive when it came to the subject of the Italian.

“He was an exceptional professional and an exceptional player and in general, just a great guy to have around.” said Wilkins.

Like Cudicini, Wilkins was keen to point out how much practice the Italian did when it came to free kicks.

“Gianfranco was a great player because he worked hard at his game,” Wilkins said.

“He used to go out before training, stay out after training, working on the techniques that we know Gianfranco Zola for - bending balls around walls, his close control.

“He also worked hard on his physique because if you are small, you have to be very strong. He was built like a brick outhouse and it is a testament to him that he went on so long."

Wilkins was also sure that both Zola and Steve Clarke would get a warm welcome from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

“Both Gianfranco and Steve [Clarke] have been wonderful servants to the club. I sincerely hope they get the rapturous applause they merit when they step out into the dugout on Sunday.”

40,000 will rise before kick off tomorrow to show their appreciation to a player that gave them so many great memories, but once the whistle goes, 3 points will be all the matters.