Gianfranco Zola has explained turning down Roman Abramovich at Chelsea.

Zola had left Chelsea for Cagliari before Abramovich's takeover and the Russian attempted to bring him back in 2003.

He recalled to Sky Italia: “I received a call from Ken Bates, who at the time was still the owner. He knew I was in talks with Cagliari for a return to Sardinia. He said 'Gianfranco, I hope you haven't signed yet. Wait, because someone will come – I cannot give you his name right now – but he will make you change your mind.'

“I told Bates that I was sorry, but I'd already given my word. I found out the next day it was Abramovich, who had bought the club."

Abramovich then called Cagliari owner Massimo Cellino and offered to buy the club in order to re-sign Zola.

“That's what Cellino said happened," added Zola.

“I know that when Abramovich bought the club, he thought I was a Chelsea player, so he tried to get me back. He didn't know that I had already made my decision and given my word."