Ivorian star Didier Drogba will come up against his former team when Galatasaray host Chelsea in a Champions League encounter at the Turk Telekom Arena on Wednesday.
Drogba scored 157 goals in 341 appearances during his spell with the Blues and played a big part in their Champions league triumph in 2012.
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says he has communicated with Drogba, who is both delighted and nervous to come up against his former employers.
“I texted him after the draw because we still keep in touch,” Lampard told reporters.
“He was delighted and nervous actually because he said it would be difficult for him to come here to Stamford Bridge. He still sees it as his home and his love.
“I said to him that once he gets back and has the reaction from the fans, he will absolutely love it, both games. I’m sure he will.
“He is the best I have played with solely for the fact of doing it in big, big games. There are a lot of good players out there, but he consistently scored in finals and popped up at the right time.”
Galatasaray qualified as the second best team in Group B and are currently in second place in the in the Super Lig behind Fenerbahce.
Chelsea on the other hand finished at the top of Group E and are currently occupying top spot in the Premier League.
Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who also played under Mourinho at Inter Milan, says he is also ready to face his former manager and believes his side can start the tie well at home.
“Mourinho knows us well and that is an advantage but the same applies for us, we know Mourinho very well, perhaps better than the Chelsea players know us,” he said.
“Chelsea is a great side, everybody has to accept that, but if we show the same spirit we did against Juventus, we could achieve another big result.
“The way our fans support us when we’re on the pitch is a driving force which pushes us to give our best. They are like the 12th man.”
Source: MTNFootball
“[katogoaward]”