Indian Super League: Gianluca Zambrotta set to part ways with Delhi Dynamos ‘amicably’

Gianluca Zambrotta’s stint in the Indian Super League (ISL) is set for a pre-mature end as the Italian is close to agreeing terms with Chinese Super League (CSL) outfit Jiangsu Suning, Goal can confirm.

The former Barcelona full-back had joined Delhi Dynamos last season on a three-year deal (two-year plus one year variable).

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However, after guiding the club to a play-off spot, Zambrotta was keen on exploring newer pastures. It is believed that the Pride and the 40-year-old native of Como are to end their contract by mutual termination in the next few days.

In 14 games of the league season, Dynamos registered five wins, six draws and three defeats to finish third. In the semi-finals, they lost to Kerala Blasters on penalties but played the most exhilarating brand of football in the competition.

Zambrotta shall now join Jiangsu Suning, who are backed by Chinese retain giant Suning Group, in the capacity of an assistant coach under Fabio Capello.

The Chinese club are placed 15th on the CSL table after 12 rounds of games having managed just a single win so far. They were eliminated by Shanghai SIPG in the first knockout stage of the AFC Champions League last month. They have already sacked Choi Yong-soo with Li Jinyu being the caretaker manager.

"Delhi Dynamos shall now begin their search for Zambrotta’s replacement only after the mutual termination of the contract," informed a source close to the development.

Delhi Dynamos officials remained unavailable when asked for a comment on the above mentioned development.