To mark the upcoming 30th anniversary of our famous FA Cup final win in 1997, supporters who pre-order this box set will receive a beautiful print of the Blues hero’s iconic goal celebration from this match, personally signed and dedicated (to them or to a name/names of their choice) by Di Matteo himself.

- Click to order box set with dedicated Di Matteo print

That spectacular goal, scored after just 43 seconds, set Chelsea on the way to our first major trophy for 26 years and paved the way for the most successful era in the club’s history.

‘When I look back at the history of the club, and I see my name on the pages of this beautiful book and hold this great photograph, it makes me incredibly proud,’ says Di Matteo. ‘And I am delighted to be able to personally sign prints for the supporters who treated me so well as both a player and manager at Stamford Bridge.’

When shown the photograph to be used for the prints for this special edition of the club’s official history, the memories of that famous day at Wembley – when Chelsea defeated Middlesbrough 2-0 – immediately came flooding back.

‘Was it really nearly 30 years ago?’ he smiles. ‘It’s really impossible to believe that because it is so fresh in my mind – probably because every day of my life since someone reminds me of it!

‘I remember that the night before the game I was very nervous. Excited but nervous. It was my first FA Cup final and I knew what a big game it was. I think Ruud Gullit sensed how I was feeling because he came over and said, “Lovely boy, don’t worry, everything is going to be okay - have a glass of wine!” So I did, and the rest is history.

‘Then, 43 seconds into the match the following day, I had my Sliding Doors moment. The ball hits the underside of the crossbar, then the back of the net and my life takes a turn.

‘Of course I wasn’t a striker, so I didn’t really know how to celebrate. I just took off. I can’t remember the four or five seconds after the goal. The emotion was so high. But then suddenly I realised I was still running and my team-mates were chasing behind, trying to catch me!

‘Of course, people remember my goal, but it came so early in the match and winning the game – and then everything else we went on to achieve – was a massive team effort from an exceptional group of people.

‘I am just so happy that I was able to experience all these trophies and successes with my team-mates – and later, as the club’s manager, with my players – as well as the supporters of Chelsea. We are all connected for the rest of our lives.’

To pre-order a box set of Chelsea FC: The Official History and receive a print of his 1997 goal celebration, personally dedicated and signed by Roberto Di Matteo, click the link below.

There is only a limited number of this special edition available and the offer will only stay open while stock lasts.

The box sets and prints are produced by our official publisher, Vision Sports Publishing. They are currently in final production and due to be delivered to customers in early December, in good time for Christmas.

- Click to order box set with dedicated Di Matteo print