Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger hopes to start tonight's clash with Roma.

Rudiger left Roma last summer for Chelsea and isn't surprised they were drawn together in the Champions League.

"I spoke to my parents [before the draw] and I already knew," he told Chelsea's official website.

"They told me, “For sure you will get Roma – it always happens like this, the ex plays against the ex.

"I'm happy to go to Rome and to play against my old team. First of all, I have big respect for this club because I had two wonderful years there.

"There were up and downs with injuries, but everyone was always standing behind me.

"I appreciate that. But I'm now in Chelsea, I'm very happy with that, and I will give 100 per cent in the game."

The German is confident of taking three points from the Olimpico.

"We go to Rome with confidence. We are back to winning ways and we want to continue.

"We need to be ready in their stadium because it will be very, very hard. I know this team.

"They want to play football and they always have this desire, no matter what the situation is.

"This is what they did – they came to Stamford Bridge and had more ball possession than we. We all saw it."