Gianfranco Zola pledges future to West Ham despite off-field problems at the club

Gianfranco Zola has pledged his future to West Ham despite the off-field problems at the club.

The Italian was linked with a move back to his former club Napoli during the international break.

And prospective buyer David Sullivan, who has just sold his stake in Birmingham, warned this week that the Upton Park club could go “bust“ if new money is not found quickly.

But Zola, who signed a new four-year deal earlier this year, insisted he was committed to staying in the East End for the long term.

“My future is here,” he stated. “My future comes and goes through this club. I owe a lot to this club.

"I am determined to fulfil my promises and the expectations the supporters and the club have in me. I will do this job as well as I can.

"I am totally focused on that. The rest doesn’t count.”

West Ham travel to Stoke tomorrow seeking a first Premier League victory since the first day of the campaign.

They did the double over Tony Pulis’ side last season with both winning goals scored by the now departed Diego Tristan.

Scott Parker is suspended, but Zola reported Calum Davenport, who was a victim a stabbing in August, has returned to light training.

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