Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri was in a light-hearted mood ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge this Sunday.
As reported by Football.London, the Italian reflected on his time as Chelsea boss between 2000 and 2004, as well as thanking Blues star Eden Hazard for his ‘role’ in Leicester’s title win in 2016.
Ranieri was, of course, referring to the match between Chelsea and London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on May 2nd of that year, which was later dubbed ‘the Battle of the Bridge’ for its fiery nature.
The Belgian scored the goal that made it 2-2 at Stamford Bridge, meaning Spurs could no longer catch the Foxes who were crowned as the Premier League champions.
The 67-year-old said:
It’s special because I came in England by Chelsea and made four years there, it was fantastic years and also Hazard scored a great goal for Leicester, thank you Eden.
Ranieri will be looking to build on last week’s crucial home victory over Southampton by picking up another result in this West London derby.
Hazard, arguably Chelsea’s best player, could have a big role to play on the day, although he has failed to score in his last nine matches for club and country.
A win for the Cottagers could see them climb off the foot of the table, although just four points separate them and 13th-placed Newcastle United.
