Maccabi Tel Aviv defender Tal Ben Haim has admitted that he is "excited" to return to Chelsea when the sides meet at Stamford Bridge this evening.

The Israeli outfit will begin their Champions League group stage campaign in West London with a match against the 2012 winners.

Ben Haim spent a year with the Blues, having been signed by current Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in 2007 during his first spell at the club.

"I'm very excited to play at this club, it meant a lot to me before and now to come back with Maccabi is even more special for me," the 33-year-old told Chelsea's official website.

"I remember playing under the best manager in the world, I learnt a lot in four months under him. I regret it was a very short period because I feel I would have improved if I continued to play under him but that's part of football.

"I'm sure he will prepare Chelsea very well. Even when we played against weaker teams he prepared us as if we were playing a Champions League final, so I'm sure they will take us very seriously."

Ben Haim made 23 appearances for Chelsea before leaving for Manchester City.