Gianfranco Zola says he's a better manager for the experience of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League this season.

The former Chelsea ace admits he is incredibly relieved now the club is safe from the drop.

He said: "I knew it would be difficult but I was 100 per cent convinced the club would stay up.

"I would not have forgiven myself if I could not have kept the club up. I have become stronger. It has not been easy, trust me. It has not been easy at all. But my managerial skills have gone up.

"It has been a very, very difficult and tiring season.

"I recover very quickly from my difficult moments but I will talk about that at the end of the season."