Zola declines to play favourites

Gianfranco Zola’s loyalties will be divided during Wednesday’s Champions League encounter between Chelsea and Napoli at Stamford Bridge.

Zola, 45, made over 100 appearances for Serie A side Napoli between 1989 and 1993, and he went on to become a Chelsea favourite during a nine-year stay in west London from 1996 to 2005.

The two clubs meet in the Champions League round-of-16 second leg this week, with Napoli leading 3-1 on aggregate from the first leg at the Stadio San Paolo on February 21.

“This game puts me in a difficult position. One team gave me my debut in Serie A, the other is where I was able to realise every footballer’s dream,” Zola told Uefa.com.

“I really hope it’s a great game to watch and that the better side goes through. The Champions League is such a huge, prestigious tournament that it can actually change the way a season is going.”

A young Zola played alongside all-time great Diego Maradona at Napoli, and the former Italy international spoke highly of the talented, combustible Argentine.

“Maradona was an unbelievable player,” Zola said.

“He made things happen, he was a player who would win football matches for you. The Neapolitan people really identified with Maradona. People showed a great energy and love for him.”

“I’m happy to say that not only was Maradona a brilliant footballer but he was also a lovely bloke. We, his team-mates, all loved him.”