Zola set to extend career

Zola has been in outstanding form for Chelsea

Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola is reconsidering his decision to retire at the end of the season after a stunning start to this campaign.

The Italian's form has taken him to joint top of the Premiership scoring charts and he has inspired his side's climb to third place in the table.

Zola sings Chelsea's praises

The 36-year-old former Italian international now admits that it will be hard for him to give up playing at the end of this season as he had originally intended.

"I might change my plans as when you play like this and enjoy it so much, it makes you think a lot," said Zola.

"Age is relative. It doesn't feel like I'm 36. I'm surprising myself as well as I run up and down as much as everyone else and I don't get any more tired than them."

The team hasn't got to its best yet - we are building something

Gianfranco Zola

Asked if he even could carry on until he was 40, Zola, who turns 37 next July, responded with a smile: "Don't put any more pressure on me.

"I like to take things step by step. I'm pleased with the way I'm playing at 36. I just hope I can play like this when I'm 37 but 40 is a long way away."

Zola entered the season in prime form on the back of 10 goals in friendly games and he has continued to impress, with nine Premiership goals and a host of assists.

Chelsea have also reached the quarter-finals of the Worthington Cup after beating Everton 4-1 on Wednesday night.

And Zola feels the current side have a great chance of challenging for honours, which is a big incentive for him to continue playing.

"The team hasn't got to its best yet so that's very good news for us as we are building something," said Zola.

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