GIANFRANCO Zola hit a hat-trick as a Chelsea Legends XI beat a Swindon Town XI 3-2 in Christian Roberts’ testimonial last night at the County Ground.

More than 3,100 people saw the little Italian magician fire home a treble as stars from the past and present turned out in honour of the Welsh forward, who was forced to retire last September through a knee injury.

And for Roberts it was the perfect end to a career that was cut short at the age of 28.

“I’ve enjoyed myself and I know it’s the end now, which is quite a mad feeling,” he said.

“It was fantastic. I just hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and I’m glad so many fans turned out.

“Gianfranco Zola tonight showed how football should be played – with a smile on his face.

“And I wanted everyone at the County Ground to enjoy themselves.”

The game was preceded by a minutes’ silence in memory of Roberts’ father, who passed away last October after suffering from cancer.

And once the game kicked off the quality on show which Roberts had attracted to Wiltshire was evident.

Chelsea opened the scoring on 20 minutes. Former Town assistant manager Gus Poyet’s low cross from the left found Zola 10 yards out and he held off a couple of challenges before his deflected shot beat the helpless Book.

Swindon almost hit back when Blair Sturrock flicked Steve Jenkins’ cross towards the near post, but Blues keeper Ed De Goey was equal to the effort as he turned the ball over the bar.

A slip by Alan Reeves handed Chelsea their second goal on the half hour mark, as the centre-back left a bouncing ball which ex-Swindon boss Dennis Wise raced on to, before squaring for Zola to tap into an empty net.

Swindon halved the deficit four minutes before half-time through Wembley hero Steve White.

Callum Kennedy’s deep cross was met by Chalky at the far post, and he rolled back the years to tuck home from close range.

Zola completed his hat-trick in the 55th minute when he slotted into the far corner after Wise’s inch-perfect pass set him free, and although Town scored late on, it was little more than a consolation.

“I honestly love Swindon Town Football Club,” admitted Roberts after the game.

“I’ve had some real dark days here, but I’ve also had some real good days.

“Today has been all of it. Dark in the minutes’ silence for my dad, which I knew was going to be tough, and enjoyment in smiling and laughing and the people around the club.

“It’s a great club, but now this is my time in football finished. I’m no longer Christian Roberts the professional footballer. This was the last day of it all, and it was a great way to go out.”

SWINDON STARTING XI: Steve Book, Steve Jenkins, Andy Gurney, Alan Reeves, Nicky Summerbee, Gareth Whalley, Kevin Watson, Michael Pook, Callum Kennedy, Blair Sturrock, Steve White.

CHELSEA STARTING XI: Ed De Goey, S Worrell, David Lee, Ken Monkou, Graeme Le Saux, Dennis Wise, Kevin Keen, Clive Walker, Roberto Di Matteo, Gus Poyet, Gianfranco Zola.