Former Chelsea and Italy football legend Gianfranco Zola recently visited Singapore for an exclusive two-day event, part of Chelsea FC’s flagship international engagement programme, The Famous CFC. This inaugural outreach to Southeast Asia, presented by Ascott, provided fans with a unique opportunity to interact with one of football’s greats, and it was a momentous occasion for football enthusiasts in the region.
Zola’s arrival was met with immense enthusiasm from fans, who gathered to celebrate the legacy of a player known for his extraordinary talent and contribution to Chelsea’s success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The event featured a variety of activities, including coaching clinics, meet-and-greet opportunities, and an exciting Chelsea vs Aston Vila Watch Party, allowing fans to connect with the football icon on a personal level.
During a media interview session, Junpiter Futbol asked Zola for his thoughts on the growing presence of Asian footballers in top European leagues. He expressed admiration for the talent emerging from Asia, noting that he has always recognized the work and passion for football throughout the continent.
“I’ve always known about the dedication and enthusiasm for football in Asia,” Zola remarked. “Asian football has always been very passionate.” He reflected on his experiences in the 1990s when Italian football was first introduced to various Asian brands, particularly highlighting his main sponsor, the Japanese brand Mizuno. “People would tell me how popular football was in Japan, and it was clear there was a strong connection.”
Zola believes that the landscape of Asian football has evolved significantly over recent years. He pointed out improvements in training systems and methodologies, which have allowed more Asian players to gain opportunities in European leagues. “The training methods and the commitment to football have improved a lot,” he noted. “These players are working hard, and it’s paying off.”
Zola’s optimism for the future of Asian football is palpable. He emphasized that passion, hard work, and discipline are key factors that can lead anyone to achieve their dreams in the sport. “As long as you have passion, you train hard, and you maintain discipline, you can become anybody that you want to be,” he stated.
He expressed his pleasure in witnessing Asian footballers excel on international stages and voiced hope for their continued success. “I look forward to seeing them win more with their national teams, and perhaps in the near future, we may see them triumphing in major competitions,” Zola said with enthusiasm.
Indeed, it seems like Zola’s visit to Singapore has been quite an adventure. From the chilly winter of Europe just two days ago, he’s now experiencing the tropical heat and even trying the infamous durian, a testament to his adventurous spirit. As he continues his journey, we can only wish him a pleasant stay in Southeast Asia and hope to see more football legends grace our shores in the future.
