Gianfranco Zola reminisces on incredible Deeney winner in Watford’s spine-tingling 2013 play-off win

Former Watford boss Gianfranco Zola has lifted the lid on the emotions he felt during the Hornets’ spine-tingling play-off semi-final victory over Leicester seven years ago today.

The last two minutes of the game have gone down in history after the dramatic scenes that unfolded at Vicarage Road, ending with Zola slipping over after celebrating on the pitch.

At one end, Leicester’s Anthony Knockaert had a penalty to send Leicester to Wembley, only for Manuel Almunia to save and Troy Deeney to immediately win it for Watford just seconds later at the other end of the pitch.   

Gianfranco Zola appeared as a guest on Sky Sports' 'The Football Show' on Tuesday morning

Gianfranco Zola appeared as a guest on Sky Sports’ ‘The Football Show’ on Tuesday morning

Zola was in charge of Watford during one of their biggest moments seven years ago today

Zola was in charge of Watford during one of their biggest moments seven years ago today

‘Every time I watch those moments, I get goosebumps,’ Zola said on Sky Sports’ The Football Show. ‘Did you see how quick I was to get back up on my feet [after I fell]?

‘I realise I put some shoes on that didn’t have any grip. It’s an amazing moment, because I had gone through all the emotional states of the mind in those moments, it was incredible. 

‘I thought the referee made a big wrong decision, because it wasn’t a penalty, but it was meant to be. We played quite well throughout the season, got there, we were so hungry and desperate to get to the final that we didn’t want to lose and produced that magical moment. 

‘It was one of those moments that made you fall in love with the game.’

Watford went on to play Crystal Palace in the final, losing in extra-time courtesy of a Kevin Phillips penalty.

Zola then left the club in December with his side languishing in mid-table, and the Italian has since gone on to manage Cagliari, Al-Arabi and Birmingham, before spending last season as an assistant to Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.

Manuel Almunia saved a penalty for Watford before Troy Deeney scored down the other end

Manuel Almunia saved a penalty for Watford before Troy Deeney scored down the other end

Zola admits he gets goosebumps every time he watches a clip of the play-off semi-final finale

Zola admits he gets goosebumps every time he watches a clip of the play-off semi-final finale

Speaking about his own future, Zola admitted he would love a return to manage in the Premier League.

‘The Premier League is still the top, of course. It’s the best league in the world in my opinion. It’s where I’ve had a great time. Possibly I would love to stay in England. 

‘You have to take the opportunities as they come. But for me, the Premier League is the one.’

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