Roberto Di Matteo has spoken fondly about the lasting bond within Chelsea’s 2012 UEFA Champions League-winning squad, describing every reunion as a special and emotional occasion.
The Italian coach, who guided the Blues to their first Champions League title in Munich, was back at Stamford Bridge over the weekend to manage the Chelsea Legends in their clash against Liverpool. Surrounded by familiar faces, Di Matteo said it was a joy to reconnect with players who made history with him.
“I think when you win a competition, a trophy, it connects you for the rest of your life,” explained Di Matteo.
“So every time we get together, it’s a great feeling and a lot of emotions, to see those players again that managed to lift the trophy with the big ears.”
He continued: “They always turn up when we call them for these sorts of games, they love to come back and put the Blue shirt on.
“We’ve created a lot of memories for the players and for the supporters as well. Overall, it was just a wonderful day to see all those guys again, and I wish them all good health.”
Di Matteo, who also won trophies as a Chelsea player, couldn’t hide his admiration for what the current generation under Enzo Maresca has achieved.
The Blues lifted both the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup, a sign that the club’s winning DNA remains strong.
“Today’s Chelsea team is magnificent, I think they’re doing very, very well,” he went on. “They won the Conference League last season and the Club World Cup, so they are back winning trophies and that is what this club is about, winning trophies.
“It’s a team full of talent with some experience now as well. After being here two or three years, they are showing that now on the pitch. They’re playing very good football and the gaffer, the head coach, is doing a great job.
“Sometimes I speak to Enzo. We are both Italian so there’s no language barrier! He doesn’t need any advice, he knows football very well. He’s very well prepared, he’s got a lot of knowledge.”
From leading Chelsea to one of their most unforgettable nights in Munich to now watching a new era unfold under Maresca, Di Matteo remains deeply connected to the club’s proud legacy.
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