Football fans can train with Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola on this special MSC Cruises sailing

Passengers will be able to meet and train with legendary striker Gianfranco Zola during a northern Europe cruise on an MSC Cruises shiplater this year.

The former Chelsea star will headline a programme of activities on MSC Virtuosa in October.

He will host football training sessions and penalty shootouts for both children and adults, offering tips, skills and insight from his time at the top of the game.

Fans can also attend a question and answer session, followed by an exclusive meet and greet.

All activities are complimentary and included as part of the cruise.

Departing from Southampton on 19 October, the five-night cruise calls at Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and Cherbourg. Prices start from £519.

Antonio Paradiso, a vice president at MSC Cruises, which also sponsors Chelsea, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Chelsea FC, which has gone from strength to strength since 2019, allowing us to create truly unique experiences for fans.

“Bringing Gianfranco Zola on board MSC Virtuosa is a fantastic way to bring that partnership to life, giving our guests the rare opportunity to connect with a football legend. It’s this blend of world-class sport, entertainment and cruising that makes these experiences so special, and we’re excited to deliver something truly memorable for everyone on board.”

It will be Zola’s first time on a cruise ship.

He said: “I am really looking forward to the experience. It’s an opportunity to meet people with a passion for travel, and introduce them to my world of football and so many fantastic memories from my years of being connected to the game, and of course Chelsea Football Club.”

MSC Cruises has previously hosted other sports stars such as members of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winning rugby team.

The cruise line’s ships will also be screening all football matches during this summer’s Fifa World Cup.

Read more: The best MSC Cruises ships and sailings