Exclusive: Chelsea Star Ashley Cole - It Will Be Great To See Jose Mourinho Again

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has reacted positively to the news that the Blues will face Inter in the knock-out phase of the Champions League and is looking forward to renewing his acquaintance with Jose Mourinho.

The England international is also relishing the challenge of facing one of Italian football's most famous club sides and is expecting a typically tactical contest.

"It will be brilliant to see Jose Mourinho again. Italian teams are very strong, technical and disciplined so you can expect a very difficult game," Cole told Goal.com UK.

"Italian football has not had the best of years, but we respect Inter, it's a very historic club with a great stadium and tradition. They are not the team they were - when I was a kid, I used to love watching Italian football. It's lost some of its gloss but you can never underestimate them."

Cole is also expecting the west Londoners' former gaffer to use his inside knowledge of the Blues to good advantage.

However, he also expects Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who managed AC Milan last season, to be able to offer a few pointers about the Italian side too.

"Jose Mourinho will be looking to use his inside knowledge on Chelsea, and the players to beat us," the defender explained.

"So it's going to be an interesting, but it could have been worse, but the gaffer will have a lot to say about playing Inter.

"Hopefully, I'll get the chance to play in the games. I know how everyone feels and how much it means to our fans and their fans too."

Mohammed Bhana & Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK