Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has revealed former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was keen on bringing him back to Chelsea that he offered to buy his new club Cagliari in 2003.

Zola had agreed to join Cagliari in 2003 just before Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and the Russian billionaire was keen on having Zola in his Chelsea team.

After six years at Stamford Bridge, Zola returned to his hometown club Cagliari in the summer of 2003, during a time when Chelsea was sold by Ken Bates to Abramovich, starting a whole new era for the Blues.

Zola told Sky Sport 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.”

Zola was asked about the story that Abramovich then called Cagliari President Massimo Cellino to enquire about buying Zola, so when the answer was no, the Russian magnate asked how much it would cost to buy the whole club instead.

“That’s what Cellino said happened,” confessed 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.”

He made 310 competitive appearances in the Chelsea shirt, contributing 78 goals and 26 assists.