Ranieri is back for titanic clash

Claudio Ranieri will make an emotional return to watch his old club Chelsea on Sunday for the first time since being sacked last summer.

The Valencia coach has been asked to commentate for Italian television on the Premiership's game of the season at Highbury, scene of one of the greatest nights of his footballing career when Chelsea overcame Arsenal in last season's Champions League quarter-final.

Ranieri has virtually been forgotten at Stamford Bridge since Jose Mourinho took over and guided the club to a five point lead at the top of the Premiership and the knockout stages of the Champions League.

But the Italian is happy to keep a low profile on his return to London. Ranieri said: "Italian television have asked me to be the commentator for this match and I plan to go to the game. I won't see anyone at Chelsea but plan to go straight to the stadium.

"I've had no contact since I left the club and am a very reserved man. If they don't want to see me that's fine and I'm happy with the way things have turned out. I don't want to disturb anybody and will just watch the match and see some old friends."

Having led Chelsea to second place in the Premiership and the Champions League semifinals last season, Ranieri is convinced they can go one better by winning both this time around.