SOCCER: Gianfranco Zola has agreed a three-year deal as the new manager at West Ham, according to reports this evening.

Former Italy international Zola was widely expected to be confirmed as the new boss at the Boleyn Ground, following Alan Curbishley's resignation last week.

Zola, who moves from his current position as Italy's Under 21 coach, will be returning to the Premier League five years after leaving Chelsea following an illustrious playing stint at Stamford Bridge.

His connections with the Blues have prompted concerns to be raised by Hammers fans regarding his suitability for the Upton Park job.

But the 42-year-old believes his Chelsea days are firmly in the past and he is relishing the chance to manage the Hammers.

"I only know one way to play: on the floor, attacking football, the way things should be done," said Zola.

"I want to excite people, that is why we play, isn't it? This is a new era, a new chapter for me. I was an offensive player, who only knew one way to play. That is how my teams will always play.

"I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham, but that is not a problem. My playing career is in my past.

"This is a new adventure for me. I spent seven years at Chelsea and they were seven of the best years of my career.

"I loved playing there, but the fans must understand that I have a new career now and my playing career is in the past."

Zola admits it was a tough decision to leave his Under 21 role, but he could not refuse the opportunity to become a Premier League boss.

He added: "This is an opportunity in the Premier League and an opportunity I didn't expect, but it's an opportunity I can't turn down.

"The hardest thing was to say goodbye to those players in the dressing room.

"Everything has to be agreed with the federation, but I am confident that it will be resolved when I return to Italy. There are still talks, but I am sure they will go well."