Eidur relishing Chelsea return

Striker Eidur Gudjohnsen cannot wait to return to Chelsea with his new club Barcelona.

Much has been made of the rivalry between the two clubs in recent seasons, as much for the off-field spats between managers Jose Mourinho and Frank Rijkaard as for the world class quality on the pitch.

But for 27-year-old Icelandic international Gudjohnsen the tie is even more special, as it will be his first return to Stamford Bridge since joining the champions of Europe earlier in the summer.

Though he spent six seasons with The Blues in London there is no question of divided loyalties because he will be using his inside knowledge of the opposition to help his new team-mates.

"I was pleased when I saw that we were going to play against them," he told Barcelona's official site.

"I admit that it will be a bit strange to go back because I was there for so long.

"Before the game, when it draws closer, I will be able to give information about the players and the tactics. But, after all, we have a great team and we have to play well, like we know we can, to win."

The striker has already endeared himself to the Catalan fans by scoring the winner in his league debut against Celta Vigo, and he hopes the Chelsea fans will be as friendly when he returns in October.

"I hope that I am well received," he continued.

"I have spoken about the respect that I have towards Chelsea.

"I was happy playing there and had a really good time while playing for the club. Also, in the last two seasons we enjoyed some success. Therefore, I would like to think that they will receive me well."

While much of the attention has been focused on the clashes between the two teams, Gudjohnsen knows that the ties with Werder Bremen and Levski Sofia could prove even more crucial in qualification from the group.

"The most important thing is to qualify and, if we can, to finish top of the group," he added.

"It will not just be about the games against Chelsea, but also those against Werder and Levski.

"We have to play as well as we can in every match and if win them all we will be fine."