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| Zola, a former Chelsea player, may not find himself welcomed by all West Ham fans [GALLO/GETTY] |
Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola has agreed to become West Ham's new manager with his appointment expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours, according to British media reports.
England’s Daily Mail, reported that Zola, currently joint coach of Italy's under-21 side, will move to Upton Park once the final terms of his contract are agreed.
Dynamic football
Zola has promised fans attacking football.
"I only know one way to play: on the floor, attacking football," Zola was quoted as saying.
"I want to excite people, that is why we play, isn't it? ... I was an offensive player who only knew one way to play.
"That is how my teams will always play."
London rivalry
Zola sought to downplay reports that West Ham fans oppose his appointment
because of the Italian's long association with cross-London rival Chelsea.
"I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham, but that is not a problem," Zola said.
"My playing career is in the past."
The former Italy international spent seven seasons at Chelsea as one of the most exciting strikers in the Premier League, and was voted Chelsea's greatest ever player in a fan poll in 2007.
Michael Laudrup, Roberto Donadoni and former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic were also under consideration to succeed Alan Curbishley, who quit last week and accused the club's board of selling players against his wishes.
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