Didier Drogba has revealed his excitement at the prospect of reuniting with Frank Lampard when Chelsea take on Manchester City this Sunday.

The Ivorian's return to a club in which he enjoyed tremendous success during his first spell came in the summer when Lampard departed Stamford Bridge, and he admits that he would have preferred playing alongside the English midfielder again.

"I can't wait to see him - my partner in crime," Drogba told members of the media. "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."

Chelsea will move eight points clear of City if they are victorious on Sunday.