Gianfranco Zola, Chelsea legend, to make appearance in Singapore this November

SINGAPORE – Gianfranco Zola, the former Chelsea striker and two-time Player of the Year, considered one of the club's most legendary players, is set to visit Singapore from Nov 30 to Dec 1.

The visit is organised by Singapore hospitality group Ascott, who in July struck a deal to become the five-time English Premier League champions’ official global hotels partner. The two-day trip, which will be based at lyf Funan Singapore, is part of Chelsea’s international fan engagement programme, The Famous CFC.

The 58-year-old Italian, who won the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup and two FA Cups among other major honours, said: “I’m so excited to be involved in The Famous CFC this year, and to take part in the event for the first time.

“I know we have a huge fan base in South-east Asia so it will be really special to spend some time together while exploring a beautiful country.”

It will be Ascott’s first presentation of the fan programme, which has previously been held in Mumbai, India, and Los Angeles, United States.

In Singapore, Chelsea fans can look forward to a watch party on Dec 1 when the Blues take on Aston Villa. There will also be a meet-and-greet session with Zola, and coaching clinics by the Chelsea Foundation.

Ascott’s chief commercial officer Tan Bee Leng said: “Since becoming Chelsea’s Official Global Hotels Partner in July, Ascott has been dedicated to bringing Chelsea fans closer to their beloved football heroes… Recognising that many of Chelsea’s over 600 million fans are based in South-east Asia, we are thrilled that The Famous CFC is visiting the region very soon.”

Chelsea’s chief revenue officer Casper Stylsvig added: “It’s the first time we have visited the country since 2017, and we are grateful to Ascott – our presenting partner of this leg of the programme – in sharing our vision of connecting with our fans from across the globe in innovative and exciting ways.”