On the eve of being unveiled as the new West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has revealed how he aims to win over disgruntled Hammers fans disappointed with his appointment.

The 42-year-old Chelsea legend knows some Irons supporters will find it hard to accept him as their boss following his close associations with one of their bitter rivals, but claims he is the right man to succeed Alan Curbishley.

Zola, who was last night managing the Italian under-21's for final time in Zagreb as his side drew 1-1 with Croatia, is set to officially be named as only the 12th man to manager the east London club in it's 113-year history.

And while the Italian, who is best remembered in England for the seven glorious years he spent at Stamford Bridge, he claims he is well aware of the traditions of West Ham and aims to make himself just as popular at the Boleyn Ground.

“I only know one way to play: on the floor, attacking football, the way things should be done,” Zola told the Daily Mail.

“I want to excite people, that is why we play, isn’t it? This is a new era, a new chapter for me. I was an offensive player, who only knew one way to play. That is how my teams will always play.

“I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham, but that is not a problem. My playing career is in my past.”

And it seems Zola can't wait to take up his new post with the Hammers, as he looks forward to a return to England, as he said an emotional farewell to his U21 players last night.

He added: “This is an opportunity in the Premier League and an opportunity I didn’t expect, but it’s an opportunity I can’t turn down.

“The hardest thing was to say goodbye to those players in the dressing room.

“The Under 21s play the way football should be played. I try to put a smile on their faces and I can tell you they put a smile on mine with the way they play.

“Everything has to be agreed with the federation, but I am confident that it will be resolved when I return to Italy. There are still talks, but I am sure they will go well.”

Reflecting on management itself Zola continued: “It never appealed to me when I was a player, but working with these young players, being their coach and seeing the way they play without fear gives me that rush. Getting results and getting feedback from the players gives me a confidence. The temptation to manage in England is too much. I love London, I love the lifestyle. Whenever I think of London, it has good memories.”

[Guardian-Series]

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