Frank Lampard remains a Chelsea man to the core despite possibly lining-up for Manchester City against his former club this weekend, according to old pal Didier Drogba.

Drogba and Lampard won an avalanche of silverware together, netting hundreds of goals between them in a highly successful eight years at Stamford Bridge.

When the two favourites for the Premier League crown meet this weekend, Lampard will be representing the colours of City, but Drogba says that is not where he belongs.

Chelsea's Didier Drogba (L), manager Guus Hiddink (C) and Frank Lampard celebrate victory with the FA Cup
Trophy boys: Drogba (L), Guus Hiddink (C) and Lampard celebrate victory with the FA Cup

Drogba said of Chelsea’s record goalscorer: “The fans know what he gave for the club, so I know for sure the reaction will be good.

“It doesn’t matter which team he is playing for, I think he still belongs to us.

“He is a Chelsea player. He made the crowd shout a lot of times here, and cheer a lot of times, so for me he is part of the history of the club.”

Friendship: Lampard and Drogba remain close pals

Whether or not Lampard, who revealed recently he would have stayed at the Bridge, actually features for City against Chelsea, Drogba says that he is looking forward to getting back together, off-pitch at least, with the man with whom he terrorised some of Europe’s top defences.

“I can’t wait to see him,” said Drogba.

“My partner in crime! It is a pity that I come back and he’s not here any more, but I know for sure I will be happy to see him.”

City boy: Lampard will be wearing a Man City shirt on Sunday

Chelsea are looking to set aside their disappointment after a 1-1 home draw with Schalke in the Champions League and Drogba says they have no intention of parking the bus at City on Sunday.

He said: “It is a different competition and I hope that we can continue the way we started.

“We’re going to go there and try to win, like we’ve been trying to win every game this season, so let’s see what’s going to happen.

“The season is long. We have to take the maximum of points we can take now, and then look forward.”