Hammers' striker Ilan denies rift with Gianfranco Zola

Talks: Ilan
11 April 2012

Ilan has had clear-the-air talks with Gianfranco Zola after an interview was published in which he criticised the manager.

The West Ham striker was quoted by a Brazilian journalist saying that Zola is a "good person" but that he had "lost control of the team".

The story was picked up by British newspapers at the weekend but Ilan said today he had no issues with his boss.

"I have spoken to Gianfranco Zola and there is no problem," said the 29-year-old who signed on loan from St Etienne in January. "He's a great person and really cool, you can speak to him whenever you need to. I spoke to the players and they're fine — they've seen this kind of thing before. We are really strong together as a group.

"The important thing is we are together as a group. I will do everything I can to help West Ham and then when the season is over we will sit down and talk about the future."

Zola, meanwhile, will put the boots back on when he plays in an All-Star team against Wycombe Old Boys at Adams Park on Thursday — kick-off 7.45pm — to raise money for cancer research.

The match is in honour of former QPR star Mike Keen who died last year. Mike's son, West Ham coach Kevin, will be playing along with Steve Clarke, Teddy Sheringham plus Clive, Martin and Paul Allen.

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