Gianfranco Zola said that Andriy Shevchenko will match his own hero status at Chelsea if he is allowed time to adapt.

“It has been surprising that he has not settled quicker. But only because he is such a talented and brilliant player. They have not seen the best of him yet.”

Gianfranco Zola was a great striker, winning with Chelsea the FA Cup twice, the League Cup and the European Cup Winner’s Cup.

He is currently an Italian football pundit, though he also comments on European competitions. He has also been named joint coach of the Italian Under-21 side with ex Chelsea player Pierluigi Casiraghi.

“It is an honour for me to be regarded as one of the great players of Chelsea,” Zola admitted.

“Andriy can be like that given time. It would have been a dream for me to play with him for Chelsea because he can score great goals and has such pace.”

From: Eurosport