Chelsea midfielder Ramires intends to apologise to Benfica defender Emerson before tonight's kickoff.

The Blues star identified Emerson as the weak link before the first leg of their quarter-final last week.

And his prediction proved spot-on as he exposed Emerson to the wrath of the Portuguese fans before helping set up the only goal of the game for Salomon Kalou.

But Ramires was adamant he did not mean any disrespect to his opponent. He added: "I'd like to apologise to Emerson. I expressed myself badly.

"When I said that I meant the Benfica team as a whole and did not mean him specifically.

"Everything fell on him and I'd like to say sorry because I didn't mean to disrespect him. I will apologise to him personally before the game.

"We always have to respect a fellow professional, especially one who is playing for Benfica. If he is playing for them, it's because he has quality."