ZOLA: LAMPS PUTS ME IN THE SHADE

GIANFRANCO ZOLA has told Frank Lampard: I am loved at Chelsea but you are No.1.

Stamford Bridge is set for an emotional night as the Blues’ all-time top scorer continues his first steps in management.

Lampard will rock up with his Derby side hoping to add the club that made him a superstar to the scalp of Manchester United.

Chelsea assistant coach Zola, a world-class forward in his day, was voted their greatest-ever player in 2003.

Zola (right), however, believes Lampard returns to southwest London as an even bigger Blues’ legend.

The 40-year-old netted 211 goals for Chelsea over 13 seasons. He is considered one of the greatest, most prolific midfielders of his generation.

Zola said: “For the results and trophies Frank has achieved with Chelsea, there is no doubt he is the bigger legend.

“He has achieved so much, personally and for the club.”

Signed by Claudio Ranieri from West Ham in 2001, Lampard was a key part of the Chelsea team that ended their long wait for a top-flight English title in 2005.

He helped the club to retain the title the following year before securing a domestic cup double in 2007.

Lampard went on to clinch a second FA Cup winners’ medal in 2009, hitting the winning goal in the final.

In the 2009–10 campaign, he helped Chelsea to secure their first league and FA Cup double with his most prolific season at the club, smashing 22 league goals and providing 14 league assists.

Six years ago he captained Chelsea to their first Champions League and, a year later, their first Europa League.

Zola added: “Myself, like many others, we are very important for the club because we started a process of getting better, of becoming a well-established team in England and Europe.

“I know I have done very well like Dennis Wise, Roberto Di Matteo and many others. But Frank, for the club, has really made a big mark, a big impression, like John Terry. So he deserves big credit.”