Gianfranco Zola is set to leave Chelsea this season to explore more managerial opportunities, according to the Guardian.
The former Blues striker was offered an ambassadorial role with the club, with his contract as assistant manager set to expire this weekend, however the Italian has reportedly rejected that offer because he wishes to move back into management.
Zola worked underneath Maurizio Sarri last season as assistant coach, and with Sarri having left and with Frank Lampard the front-runner to replace the former Napoli coach, Zola will likely be replaced by Lampard’s own backroom staff.
Talking to the Guardian, Zola’s agent and lawyer Fulvio Marrucco said:
Gianfranco’s contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the month.
After a season of hard work and fantastic results alongside Maurizio Sarri, he is ready to take the next step in his own management career.
The 52-year old Italian previously managed West Ham, Watford and Birmingham City in England, while also spending just under three months with Cagliari in his native Italy.
