In the kaleidoscope of soccer legends, very few shine as brightly as former Argentine superstar, Diego Maradona. His impact on the sport transcended generations, inspiring delight and admiration from fans worldwide. For a former Chelsea legend in his own right, the opportunity to share the pitch with Maradona was a dream come true. In a candid conversation, he revealed an interesting anecdote about his relationship with Maradona that left him awestruck.

As we peel back the layers of this narrative, we discover a camaraderie that went beyond the boundaries of mentorship. Let’s delve deeper and find out what the former Chelsea star has to offer.

Former Chelsea star’s unforgettable encounter with Diego Maradona

Gianfranco Zola, who spent his fair share of time at Chelsea, was a young talent when he arrived at Napoli in 1990. Diego Maradona, who was the reigning star of Napoli then, had an amusing interaction with the Italian star. In a candid conversation, Zola was asked about his experience playing beside the Argentine sensation, and he stated that it was an ‘unbelievable experience.’

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Gianfranco Zola revealed that, despite his stellar career, he was momentarily rendered speechless in the presence of the Argentine maestro. When he arrived at the Napoli camp, Maradona saw him and said, “Oh finally, we have a player smaller than me.” This cheeky remark from Maradona not only broke the ice, but set the stage for an incredible camaraderie between the two players.

Zola also lauded Maradona’s brilliance, as he stated that the Argentine star showcased his prowess not only in matches but also in training sessions. “I think what people see of Maradona is just the tip of the ice. Because, in training it was unbelievable. I can’t remember how many times we stopped the training and started clapping because what he just did was unbelievable,” the former Italian star added.

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Maradona: Zola’s mentor and guiding light

Beyond the banter and brilliance, Zola shares the profound impact Diego Maradona had on his career. The Italian labeled him not just as a teammate but as a mentor. “I learned everything from Diego. I used to spy on him every time he trained and learned how to curl a free-kick just like him. After one year I had completely changed,” Zola stated. The similarities in their playing style made him Maradona’s understudy, a title he cherishes.

Diego Maradona even gave his opinion on his replacement and cited Zola as the man to take Napoli forward. “Napoli doesn’t need to look for anyone to replace me, the team already has Zola,” he stated.

From Zola’s candid revelation, one thing is clear: the legacy and magic of Diego Maradona extends far beyond the goals and glory. It’ll be interesting to see if someone can come close to Maradona’s legacy in the future.

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