BRANISLAV Ivanovic says winning the Europa League will help him shift the heartbreak of missing Chelsea's greatest-ever victory in Munich last May.

The Blues defender, suspended for the Champions League triumph over Bayern, says the Europa League clash with Benfica in Amsterdam will be his final.

“I think this is probably my final,” said the Serbian. “It's not the Champions League, but when you weren't in the final it is the same.

“You have to be prepare for the game, and everything is like the Champions League final.”

Ivanovic, who notoriously learned of his suspension for last year's final in a post-match television interview in Barcelona, has told of the mixture of emotions that flooded his thoughts on May 19 2012.

Asked if it was the hardest game he had ever watched, he said: “Definitely, yes. It was very hard, and I couldn't control my emotions on the day of the game.

“It is much harder to watch the game, and especially like this; probably all your career depends on whether or not you are on the pitch.

"It was very hard, but I hope I will have the chance to play in the final (this year).”

Despite his turmoil at missing out in Munich, Ivanovic said he was as jubilant as anyone connected with Chelsea when Didier Drogba scored his winning penalty.

He added: “I think I was third to run to him! I jumped from the stand and ran!

“It was great, great memories for us – but I think in this moment we have to forget all these things and not remember Munich.

“Because Amsterdam will be a completely different game – one where we will need to play very well.”

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