Diego Costa

Liverpool ace injured on international duty

Away from the legends game, news broke earlier today that Ibrahima Konate has pulled out the France squad.

The centre-back has a right quadriceps injury and has been receiving “treatment and following protocol” since joining up with his international team-mates.

Kalou’s new venture

Salomon Kalou has a surprising way of keeping busy in retirement.

The Ivory Coast star played in the match today, which means he had some time off from running his chocolate company Oume.

Kalou hopes to see it on the shelves of UK shops soon.

Garden of Eden

Roberto Di Matteo was delighted to be reunited with icon Eden Hazard this afternoon.

The former boss said: “He was a special player. I think from the first minute he wore the Chelsea shirt, everybody fell in love with him.

“You could see the talent he had, even though he was only 19 back then. 

“He showed his capabilities and his qualities over the years and had a very successful stint here with us. 

“Thank you to him that he came today and showed again some of his qualities.

“I think the people absolutely loved seeing him on the pitch for Chelsea today.”

‘Connected for life’

Roberto Di Matteo spoke about his iconic Chelsea squad which won the 2012 Champions League as he returned to the dugout today.

Di Matteo said: “When you win a competition, a trophy, it connects you for the rest of your life.

“Every time we get together, it’s a great feeling and a lot of emotions to see these players again that managed to lift the trophy with the big ears!

“They always turn up when we call them for these sort of games.

“They love to come back and put the blue shirt on.

“We’ve created a lot of memories for the players and for the supporters as well.

“Overall, it’s a wonderful day today to see all these guys again. I wish them all good health.”

Friends again?

Diego Costa has just took to Instagram to post this snap alongside his rival Martin Skrtel.

The tough guys appear to be mates… for now!

Hazard’s return

Fans were delighted to see Eden Hazard glide across the pitch one again.”

One supporter said: “Eden Hazard is not just a footballer, he’s an entertainer!”

A second reacted: “Hazard strolling around on the Stamford Bridge turf. I’m not crying, you are.”

A third wrote: “He’s been superb, Diego Costa has been a menace to the Liverpool back line….these guys still got it in them.”

Belter of a day

It’s sweltering here at Stamford Bridge!

The sun is shining and planes are flying over the place that so many of these legends would still call home.

Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have come out on the pitch with the rest of the squad for a team photo, and Petr Cech even stays to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.

That’s what it’s all about!

Liverpool squad

Former Blue Yossi Benayoun will be returning to Stamford Bridge, but in the red of Liverpool.

The club’s all-time top scorer, Ian Rush, will return in the dugout, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch not included in this one:

• Ian Rush – manager
• John Aldridge – manager
• Phil Thompson – manager
• Sammy Lee – manager
• Pepe Reina
• Sander Westerveld
• Fabio Aurelio
• Martin Kelly
• Ragnar Klavan
• Martin Skrtel
• Yossi Benayoun
• Momo Sissoko
• Jay Spearing
• Ryan Babel
• Natasha Dowie
• Robbie Keane
• Gregory Vignal
• Igor Biscan
• Stephane Henchoz
• Mark Gonzalez
• Florent Siname-Pongolle

Chelsea squad

Roberto Di Matteo, the man who guided Chelsea to their first Champions League title in 2011/12, will return to the dugout as manager.

Five-time Premier League-winning captain John Terry will also be back for action.

Fan favourites at Stamford Bridge like Joe Cole, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa will also return:

• Eden Hazard
• Ramires
• John Terry
• Joe Cole
• Katie Chapman
• Gemma Davison
• William Gallas
• Carlo Cudicini
• Marcel Desailly
• Petr Cech
• Eidur Gudjohnsen
• Salomon Kalou
• Diego Costa
• Jon Harley
• Jody Morris
• Loic Remy
• Florent Malouda
• Tiago Mendes
• Claude Makelele
• John-Obi Mikel
• Gary Cahill

*Gianfranco Zola has withdrawn due to injury

Good afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Chelsea vs Liverpool legends!

A star-studded Chelsea line-up will be looking to get revenge on Liverpool after losing the previous legends clash between the two in March.

Peter Crouch bagged a double in a 2-0 win for the Reds last time out, but the legendary forward will not be playing in today’s match – to the delight of Chelsea.

Roberto Di Matteo returns to the Stamford Bridge dugout while the likes of Eden Hazard, John Terry and Diego Costa will pull on the iconic Blue shirt once again.

Robbie Keane, Martin Skrtel and Ryan Babel are among the legends representing Liverpool in the capital this afternoon.

SunSport will bring you minute-by-minute updates from this afternoon’s huge clash!