Premier League club West Ham United has named former Italian international player Gianfranco Zola as a coach with a three-year contract.
"I will do everything I can, with all my power, to make it work. This is a very important part of my life and what is important is this club which has put their faith in me and I will try to make it work for them," said Zola on Thursday.
Zola was working as assistant coach to the Under-21 Italy side before deciding to accept West Ham's offer.
The Italian with seven successful years playing at Chelsea admitted his lack of managerial experience but said he would make up for it with his vast football background.
"I know I'm not the most experienced manager but I've been in football for 20 years and know what I'm talking about," he said.
Zola becomes the 12th manager - and first foreign boss - in West Ham's history after replacing Alan Curbishley, who resigned last week.
He is expected to get his first challenge against Newcastle United in 10 days' time with Kevin Keen taking charge of the first team for Saturday's league match at West Bromwich Albion.
"I will do everything I can, with all my power, to make it work. This is a very important part of my life and what is important is this club which has put their faith in me and I will try to make it work for them," said Zola on Thursday.
Zola was working as assistant coach to the Under-21 Italy side before deciding to accept West Ham's offer.
The Italian with seven successful years playing at Chelsea admitted his lack of managerial experience but said he would make up for it with his vast football background.
"I know I'm not the most experienced manager but I've been in football for 20 years and know what I'm talking about," he said.
Zola becomes the 12th manager - and first foreign boss - in West Ham's history after replacing Alan Curbishley, who resigned last week.
He is expected to get his first challenge against Newcastle United in 10 days' time with Kevin Keen taking charge of the first team for Saturday's league match at West Bromwich Albion.
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