Former Chelsea soccer legend Gianfranco Zola has made an unexpected appearance at the Ryder Cup, taking on the unusual role of driving a cart for Europe vice-captain Francesco Molinari at Bethpage Black.
Zola, who lit up Stamford Bridge from 1996 to 2003 with two FA Cups, a League Cup, and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, is now getting a close-up view of golf’s intense team competition.
Starstruck on the Green
Veteran Justin Rose admitted on Wednesday that he was completely “starstruck” when he unexpectedly ran into Zola.
For Rose, a 45-year-old Englishman making his seventh Ryder Cup appearance, this was no small moment.
“I meet a lot of really cool people in my life through the game of golf. But I was like, ‘Whoa! Wow! Hey, Gianfranco!’ I was starstruck,
which is amazing,” Rose told reporters, his Chelsea fandom clear for all to see.
More Than Just a Cart Driver
While Zola isn’t officially part of Europe’s coaching staff, Rose believes that the Italian’s experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable.
Europe aims to retain the Ryder Cup on American soil for the first time since 2012, and insights from a champion accustomed to performing under pressure—even in soccer—could provide a timely boost.
“If there’s a moment that he observes and can kind of chime in and understand the pressure, momentum, or locker room mentality, then obviously there’s probably going to be something this week where he can relay a really powerful message,” Rose said.
“Hopefully, he has that opportunity because I’d love to hear it.”
(with Reuters inputs)
