Gianfranco Zola: I won't quit West Ham

Embattled West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has announced he will stay at Upton Park and continue the fight against relegation.

Zola spoke out from his plush family home on Sardinia, where he returned following the 1-0 defeat by Stoke that has left his side on the brink of the relegation zone.

A dejected Zola admitted he would consider his future over the weekend but has now declared: "I am determined to carry on. Losing on Saturday was emotional for everyone but I know we can turn it around and we have the ability to achieve our objectives."

West Ham's performances had come under fire from co-owner David Sullivan but Zola says he had a supportive conversation with him and co-owner David Gold after the Stoke defeat.

"They have backed me and I am grateful," added Zola. "My only thought for now is to keep this club in the Premier League and that remains my goal. I'll give everything I can to make this happen between now and the end of the season.

"I have had time to think and we will have to work harder than we have before," said the Italian. "I know we can get the results we need and it is just a question of making it happen. I am here and I am ready to do what I need to do to get the results. There is no doubt about that. We have seen before we are capable of playing at a high level."