Former Milan and Chelsea forward Andriy Shevchenko is excited for the upcoming Champions League clash between his two former clubs.

The Rossoneri currently sit top of Group E after the first two games, picking up a 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg in their opener and a 3-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb in their second match. A win against Chelsea, who currently sit bottom after a loss to the Croatians and a draw with the Austrians, allows Milan to put one foot in the Round of 16 at the half-way point.

Speaking to Milan TV, Shevchenko first discussed the qualities of this Milan team under Stefano Pioli.

“Milan play good football, they are confident, they play at a high intensity and manage matches well. They have quality players who can make the difference. 

“Milan play modern football that people like so much, they play attacking football but they also know how to manage all situations well during matches.”

He looked back at the games between Milan and Chelsea in 1999, both of which ended in draws.

“It had been a very intense game, the English side are tough. We had drawn 0-0. This Chelsea-Milan will be different, the two current teams are different from those two. Milan have raised their level, I expect a good match, an intense and high-level competition.”

The former Ukraine international predicted a heated affair in Wednesday’s clash.

“There’ll be a very hot atmosphere. Chelsea need to win and will raise the tempo a lot, but Milan have quality players. It will be a special match for Giroud who played for Chelsea, he is doing very well, he will be the centre of this match.”

Shevchenko drew attention the qualities of Giroud as a person and player.

“He’s a very good person. He’s a striker who knows where to put himself to score goals, he has a great eye for goal. He’s elegant, he still has a lot to give to Milan. Having someone like him in the team helps a lot. It’ll be a special game for him against Chelsea.”

Finally, Shevchenko gave his thoughts on Milan star Rafael Leao and what this match means to him.

“Leao is becoming a leader. In London he’ll have the chance to show his great qualities also in the Champions League, which is a different competition from the Italian league. 

“Leao is a great talent who can also make a difference in these matches.”

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