Ranieri relishes Chelsea return

Ranieri relishes Chelsea return
Friday 19 December, 2008

Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri has reacted positively to drawing his former side Chelsea in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri won Group H ahead of Real Madrid, but they face a real challenge in the next round.

The game will have a special significance for Ranieri, who led Chelsea between 2000 and 2004 before being replaced with Jose Mourinho.

“It will be a great test and a very interesting one,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

“Like all games between Italy and England it will be great to see how calcio fares against the money men.

“Chelsea are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and they only lost the Final on penalties last year.

“This will be a stimulating game and I'm sure Chelsea won't be happy that they have drawn Juve.

“On a personal level, I only want to thank Roman Abramovich because working under him was the first time I could ask for any player and not worry about money.

“You don't forget four years, but I'm just focused on taking Juventus through,” he concluded.

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