As he prepares to take over at West Ham, Gianfranco Zola says he wants to excite the fans at Upton Park.

"I only know one way to play: on the floor, attacking football, the way things should be done," the Italy U21 assistant coach told the Daily Mail.

"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."

The 42-year-old insisted that he would win over West Ham fans, but asked that Chelsea supporters understand his decision to replace Alan Curbishley.

"This is a new adventure for me. I spent seven years at Chelsea and they were seven of the best years of my career," said Zola. "I loved playing there, but the fans must understand that I have a new career now and my playing career is in the past."