Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola is set to take up a surprise role in Europe's Ryder Cup team. Ahead of the golf tournament getting underway, Zola has been spotted in Team Europe's official photograph, and has also been seen patrolling the Bethpage Black Course in New York City.
Chelsea icon's role for Team Europe
Zola will serve as Francesco Molinari's designated buggy driver as Europe and the USA go head-to-head in golf's most prestigious team event. Molinari is Europe's vice-captain and is a countryman of the former Blues playmaker; in 2018, he became the first Italian major champion after winning The Open.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportZola a golf fan & has played at pro-am
Zola has played on a variety of pro-am events on the DP World Tour, and per BBC Sport, he played for the Rest of the World team at the Reignwood Icons of Football tournament. Zola and Molinari became firm friends while the former was managing West Ham, with the golfer a keen Hammers supporter.
Zola to bring winning touch
Team Europe will hope that Zola's winning touch helps them find their way to glory; during his time at Chelsea, he won the FA Cup twice, as well as the League Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. At Napoli, he also won Serie A in 1990.
Getty Images SportRyder Cup gets underway soon
The Ryder Cup will take place between September 26 and September 28. Europe are currently the holders. Zola's beloved Chelsea, meanwhile, are due back in Premier League action at home to Brighton on Saturday.