Chelsea skipper John Terry can remember the first game of the Roman Abramovich era - because he was dropped!
Both Terry and Frank Lampard were omitted by then manager Claudio Ranieri for their Champions League clash with Sparta Prague.
He told chelseafc.com: "It was definitely a strange one. I remember Frank and I sitting together with Eidur Gudjohnsen in the team meeting and when the team was put up we gave each other a little nudge. But although we were very surprised not to be in it we have always been good professionals and there was no moaning.
"Frank and I didn't have any experience in the Champions League and whether that had any part to play I don't know, but Lamps came on and made a big impact. Willie Gallas scored a winner so the manager [Claudio Ranieri] maybe got it right on the day but the only way we were going to get Champions League experience was to play, but we respected the manager's decision, he spoke to us both after the game and we have not looked back since really and have not been left out.
"That is due to our good form and success and the willingness to maintain it at the top. It is not rocket science. If I am playing badly I expect to be left out of the team regardless of being the captain. If I am playing well then I expect to be playing."
