Zola quit fears

Zola has been in outstanding form for Chelsea

Chelsea's Gianfranco Zola is reportedly considering retiring at the end of the season because he wants to go out at the top.

The former Italian international's contract runs out in the summer.

Chelsea have made it clear that they want him to stay but it is believed the 36-year-old's inspirational form this term may in fact lead him to quit.

Zola is a leading contender for the Player of the Year, which he won in 1997.

He is Chelea's top scorer ahead of strikers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjjohnsen and considered by many fans to be the best player in the club's history.

In December, BBC Sport reported that Zola was reconsidering his decision to retire at the end of the season after a stunning start to this campaign.

Zola considers next move

"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."

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