LONDON, England, September 19- Chelsea striker Didier Drogba admits he is excited to once again meet up with his “partner in crime” Frank Lampard, even if the two men will be on opposing sides this weekend.
Lampard brought his Stamford Bridge career to a close at the end of last season, leaving as the Blues’ all-time record goalscorer, to join new MLS franchise New York City FC, before being loaned to Manchester City for the current campaign.
Drogba, meanwhile, enjoyed a highly successful eight years in west London before departing in 2012, but not before handing them the Champions League crown, and he has now returned to the club in the recently-concluded transfer period.
And, with City set to host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Drogba is relishing the chance to meet up with one of his long-time friends.
Drogba said: “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.
“It doesn’t matter the team where he is playing, I think he still belongs to us. He is a Chelsea player, for what he did. For me, he is part of the history of the club.”
Despite Lampard’s deep affiliation with Chelsea, Drogba expects the former England international to be nothing less than a true professional should he get the chance to face his former employers.
“It’s going to be difficult,” Drogba added. “But I know Frank – he will do his best if he is playing.”
