Monday, December 01, 2008

Carragher Snub Shocked Zola

WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola admits he is still shocked that Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has turned his back on England.

Kop star Carra, 30, gave up on international football in 2007 after winning 34 caps.

He quit the Three Lions set-up because he was unhappy at being included in the squad but rarely starting a game under Sven Goran Eriksson.

By contrast, Zola was often kept on the sidelines during international matches, yet never, ever thought of rejecting a call from his beloved Italy.

The Upton Park coach said: “There were times when I was disappointed – but being called into any squad was an honour.

“Carragher’s decision really surprises me. I would never say I would not play for Italy. You just don’t.”

Zola is eyeing the clash with Liverpool as a game he insists West Ham can win.

He has fond memories of playing in front of the Kop while with Chelsea and said: “Anfield is a ground full of joy.

“I was never subjected to any abuse. I loved the crowd and if any player is frightened of Anfield then he should not be here. It’s a football stadium. You want to play in places like that. The crowd is magnificent.”

Zola realises it won’t be an easy task against high-flying Liverpool. He added: “Liverpool are going through one of their best spells but we can achieve something.”

Meanwhile, Zola is still trying to come to terms with the money problems facing West Ham.

The club is fighting a court case brought by Sheffield United in which the Blades claim the Hammers breached Premier League rules in hiring striker Carlos Tevez.

The player, now at Manchester United, was instrumental in keeping the club in the top flight in the 2006-07 season, when United went down.

Zola said: “It has not been easy. Who knows what will happen over the Tevez case? But I have spoken to my players and like me they are confident things can be resolved.”

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