• Premier League

'Lampard still belongs to Chelsea'

Didier Drogba says that Frank Lampard still belongs to Chelsea and has urged the club's fans to show their former midfielder respect during Sunday's clash with title rivals Manchester City.

Drogba is relishing the chance to take on his old colleague when Jose Mourinho's side travel to the Etihad Stadium, where Lampard is on loan from New York City.

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Lampard joined the MLS team, which is owned by City, after bringing to an end his 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge and Drogba is hoping Chelsea's travelling supporters don't turn on their former hero.

"It doesn't matter the team where he is playing, I think he still belongs to us," said Drogba. "He is a Chelsea player, for what he did. For me, he is part of the history of the club.

"I can't wait to see him, my partner in crime. It is a pity that I came back and he's not here any more, but I will be happy to see him.

"He's part of the history of this club and the fans know what he gave for the club. They know what he did. So I know the reaction will be good. I know that, for sure."

Drogba himself knows the feeling of lining up against Chelsea having been gone for two years after scoring the winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final.

The striker featured against Mourinho's side in the Champions League for Galatasaray last season and was given a standing ovation at Stamford Bridge.

Now Drogba, 36, believes Lampard - who won 11 trophies at Chelsea including three Premier League titles and is the club's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals - deserves the same reception if he plays at the Etihad on Sunday.

"I did it and so I know it's going to be difficult," said Drogba. "But I know Frank and he will do his best."

Didier Drogba scored the winning penalty for Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final with Frank Lampard captaining the side © PA Photos

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