Upson has apparently been talking up rumours of a summer move back to Arsenal if the Hammers do not qualify for European football this season as he looks to cement his place in the
Zola reacted to the news in his ever-positive attitude by praising the defender rather than trying to keep him quiet.
"What Matthew said doesn't concern me. In fact, it motivates me even more because if a player like Matthew Upson is saying something like that, he is pushing everyone in the right direction," said Zola.
"I admire people like that. In life you have to be ambitious, you have to look forward all the time. Matthew Upson has that attitude and I like it.
"That is the kind of ambition that makes the player and the manager better. Matthew Upson has been incredible. He is one of the players we will rely on a lot in the future.