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Drogba to show respect on Chelsea return

Didier Drogba returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since leaving the EPL club when Galatasaray face Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Galatasaray's Didier Drogba speaks to the media in London

Galatasaray star Didier Drogba says he is unlikely to celebrate if he scores at Stamford Bridge. (AAP)

Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba admits he is unlikely to celebrate if he scores on his emotional return to Chelsea in the Champions League.

Drogba will be back at Stamford Bridge for the first time since leaving the Premier League club in 2012 when Galatasaray face Chelsea in a last 16 second leg clash on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old, whose final act as a Chelsea player was scoring the decisive penalty in the 2012 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich, returns to his old stomping ground with the tie delicately poised at 1-1 after the first leg.

The Ivory Coast international, who remains a hero to Chelsea fans and is still a close friend of Blues boss Jose Mourinho, is sure to get a warm welcome back in west London.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, Drogba conceded he would feel mixed emotions when he was asked if he would celebrate scoring the decisive goal at the Bridge.

"With all the respect that I have for this club, for the fans and for the players, I might not celebrate, but if we win I'll be happy," Drogba said.

"I'm really happy to come back and to see some familiar faces.

"It's a big game. The Champions League is a big competition and it means a lot for my team. I'll find a way to play.

"It's very difficult to play against Chelsea, but it's not going to be difficult for me to put myself into the competition mode.

"Now I belong to Galatasaray. I need to be professional.

"Of course there will be emotions. Like the first leg to see my ex-teammates and also the Chelsea fans in the stadium was special."

Mourinho, who signed Drogba for Chelsea from Marseille in 2004, was given a rousing ovation when he made his return to the Blues dugout in August after a near six-year absence and hopes the Ivorian will experience similar acclaim.


2 min read

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Source: AAP


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