ANDRE Villas-Boas should get a warm welcome for his return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, says Juan Mata .

The Blues' midfielder, signed by Villas-Boas at the start of his short Chelsea reign, says the Tottenham boss helped turn him into the player he has become.

Asked about the reception the Portuguese boss would get, Mata said: “I think a nice one, because he tried the best he could for the club.

“And for me personally he was the man who I came with. So he gave me confidence, and I think he is a very great person as well.

“When I first came he helped me to settle down and – yes, I think he is a great manager, and a good person for me.”

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Chelsea news.