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1. Gianfranco Zola ( £5,580,000 )
The man voted as the best ever player to have played for Chelsea was signed in the November of 1996 from his native Italy. Right from the get go, he displayed his extraordinary skill and talent including *that* goal against Manchester United, which prompted Ferguson to brand him a " clever little so and so. "
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Amazingly, he won the FWA Player of the Season award despite not playing the entire season, the only player ever to do so. The following season, he led Chelsea to 3 trophies ( including the European Super Cup) and then played a crucial role for Chelsea in their first Champions League campaign.
Twice winning the FA Cup, Zola has become a greatly revered legend in West London. No player has worn the 25 number jersey since Zola's retirement. Since then, Zola has been named in Chelsea's centenary eleven, and was even awarded the OBE in a special ceremony in Rome.
A true legend of the game and a man deserving of his spot at the top of this list.
