10 Shocking Chelsea Departures That Nobody Expected

6. Gianfranco Zola

Gianfranco Zola was a magician, a wing wizard, illuminating Stamford Bridge with dazzling tricks, sumptuous skills and outrageous goals. Whenever the Chelsea faithful took their seats on a Saturday afternoon, they would only need the edge of them, such was his unpredictability and penchant for genius. For seven seasons he was adored in west London, but he had always stated that it was his desire to finish his playing career in Italy. For Chelsea supporters, it was a titbit of information they had decided to ignore, refusing each season to contemplate losing their magician, as he approached the twilight of his career. The 36 year old had certainly showed no sign of slowing down in the Premier League, netting a Chelsea-best 16 goals in his final season at the club, leading incoming owner Roman Abramovich to offer the player vastly improved terms. €˜€™We tried hard to find a solution, and when the new investors came in, it was the very first issue on the agenda. As a result of additional resources being made available, we were able to offer terms which satisfied him. But being the man he is, he felt that having given his word to his home island club, he would have to leave us and join them.€™€™ - Gianfranco Zola, July 2003. A man of honour, Zola signed for Italian side Cagliari, despite the fact that they were in Serie B. For Chelsea supporters, it was a case of €˜ciao€™ to one of their greatest ever players.