Gianfranco Zola is set to leave Chelsea this weekend when his contract expires after reportedly turning down an offer in an ambassadorial capacity.
Sportsmail reported earlier in the week that Sarri's successor will get to decide whether to keep on club legend Zola.
And Chelsea have since worked to keep Zola in an ambassadorial role but according to the Guardian, the fan favourite has rejected the opportunity in order to make the step back up into management.
'Gianfranco's contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the month,' Zola's agent and lawyer, Fulvio Marrucco, told the Guardian.
'After a season of hard work and fantastic results alongside Maurizio Sarri, he is ready to take the next step in his own management career.'
Zola has already had a taste in management in England, so would back himself to succeed with the right environment around him.
The 52-year-old Italian has already had spells managing West Ham, Watford and Birmingham and his experience at Chelsea as assistant boss will hold him in good stead
Nesaiknruy_Legend
44
It's sad to lose him but for his own future, he needs to move on and experience the outside world of coaching as a number 1. At Chelsea he would be an ambassador and while that's a great role, he deserves more after spending a season as a number 2 at the club.....