Gianfranco Zola rejects Chelsea speculation

Watford manager Gianfranco Zola has rejected speculation linking him with a move to former club Chelsea.

The Blues legend was quoted as saying that he "dreams" of managing a team like Chelsea, who are likely to be looking for a new manager once interim boss Rafael Benitez's contract runs out at the end of the season.

However, the diminutive Italian insists that his quotes were misinterpreted and reassured fans that he has no plans to leave Vicarage Road.

"I don't like it at all. I'm not using Watford as a promotion for myself. I care massively what happens here, and I am trying things in the best way possible," Zola told the club's official website.

"Most of all I am upset for fans having to read headlines which are a long way from what I am saying.

"I speak from the heart about Watford, and what we are trying to achieve here on behalf of the whole club."

Zola spent seven years as a player at Stamford Bridge, scoring 80 goals in 312 games.