Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says it will be difficult to face old team-mate Frank Lampard when the Blues travel to Manchester to face the Citizens on Sunday.
The midfielder joined Manuel Pellegrini's side on loan during the summer and is set to start against his old club with Drogba insisting the Englishman will always belong to Stamford Bridge.
"I can't wait to see him - my partner in crime," Drogba said.
"It is a pity that I came back and he's not here any more, but I will be happy to see him.
"It doesn't matter the team where he is playing, I think he still belongs to us. He is a Chelsea player, for what he did. For me, he is part of the history of the club.
"It's going to be difficult. "But I know Frank - he will do his best if he is playing."
The Ivory Coast striker was also full of praise for colleague Diego Costa who enjoyed a phenomenal start with the Blues.
"When I look at him I can see the desire to win every challenge, and to score goals," added Drogba.
"He is hungry for goals and that's the best thing for a team like us.
"For him to start this season in England, coming from Spain which is a different league and to recreate the same thing he was doing in Spain is fantastic."
